Ballan recovered from a goalless first quarter to edge out Beaufort by 11 points in the Central Highlands Football League on Saturday.
The Blues scored just two points in the opening term at Ballan football ground and went to the first break trailing by five.
But then things began to click and the home side took control.
They booted four majors and shut Beaufort down, conceding just one point for the quarter.
With both teams having trouble hitting the scoreboard in the second half, Ballan’s 23-point lead took on even greater significance.
Despite a late charge from Beaufort, the Blues held their nerve and claimed the win 7.11 (53) to 6.6 (42).
The result means Ballan remains in ninth spot on the CHFL ladder with the Blues closing the gap on eighth-placed Daylesford to just one game.
Ballan will meet fifth-placed Gordon this week.
Elsewhere in the CHFL, Bungaree beat Smythesdale 51.36 (342) to 0.0 (0).
David Benson finished the match with 12 goals and eight Demons kicked three goals or more. As well as the four points, Bungaree gained 80 percentage points.
The Demons, now 11-0 for the season, will meet Creswick this weekend.
