The 17.12 (114) to 5.6 (36) victory propels the Saints into third spot, ahead of the Mustangs on percentage.
The Saints had left the door ajar at quarter time after not making use of the inside 50 count but dominated thereafter.
Reservoir was struggling all day, but a win looked a remote chance midway through the third quarter.
Joel Buckley, generally well tagged by Rick Kimberley, and Luke Allen kicked the Mustangs’ only back to back goals for the day to reduce the margin to 22 points. However, Watsonia slammed on the last 3 for the stanza to take an unassailable lead into the final change.
At the last break, playing coach Lochie Dornauf praised his players for playing team football and urged them to push on from their 40-point lead for a big win. They carried out his instructions to the letter with a seven-goal to one final term.
They had winners on every line and Dornauf was pleased with the team effort, after having a passenger or two in some previous games.
“It’s encouraging to see the Watsonia Football Club turn the corner from last year and start to become a force in the competition,” Dornauf said.
He noted that many at the club had stuck with them through the down times and are now beginning to see the rewards for loyalty.
Dornauf himself was outstanding on the day. He roamed far and wide, won the ball at ground level, out-marked taller opponents and his ball use was exceptional.
Mustangs coach Ross Terranova said it was an embarrassing day for the Reservoir Football Club. He made more moves than a draughts player as he tried to find a way through the solid Watsonia defence.
Both Jason Dal Santo (doing well in defence) and Steven Hiho were moved to full forward at various stages in unsuccessful efforts to bolster the attack.
The most successful move was Ryan Docherty to half back, where he took contested marks and used his penetrating kicking to advantage.
Watsonia’s John Perichon, who had played reserves earlier this season, blanketed Ashley Flavel and kept him to a single goal. Flavel spent some time off the ground late in the day and didn’t look to be 100 percent fit.
Watsonia’s defenders, led by Tom McCluskey, excelled in applying pressure.
They also nailed goal-saving tackles and smoothly cleared the ball out of danger.
Reservoir’s forwards seemed to lack system and missing some gettable shots, while some other kicks fell short.
Cameron Rooney and Brent Lovett were productive in the midfield, but their team mates mostly played in short bursts.
The Saints often used the outer side of the ground to find players in space. When they went inside 50m, they generally kicked to the corridor where a multi-pronged forward setup capitalised.
Brody Ricardi, fresh from kicking seven against the Hawks, buttered up with six. His best was an Ablett-like snap in the first minute of the final term from the boundary to snuff out any chance of a Mustang revival.
Two of the four Jeremy Bennett goals came from big marks, while Brayden France and Brendan Cottier each booted two.
The Mustangs will look to regroup next week when they travel to Heidelberg West, while the Saints will expect a big crowd when they host league leader Panton Hill.
Final score: Reservoir 5.6 (36) def by Watsonia 17.12 (114)
