GORDON slipped out of the top eight on Saturday after a three-point loss to Springbank, 14.5 (89) to 13.8 (86).
The Hawks (4-4) are ninth, behind a trio of teams sixth to eighth, on five wins and three losses.
Tim Werner kicked five goals for Gordon, while Luke Gunnell and Corey Grills were other better players.
Ballan (2-6) is 13th on the table after losing 14.15 (99) to 8.4 (52) against Bungaree.
Gordon hosts Skipton (11th, 4-4) this weekend while Ballan is away at Dunnstown (16th, 1-7).
