Riddell delivered a fine four-quarter effort to earn a massive win over a disappointing Woodend-Hesket in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
With the Hawks coming off their best win of the season in the previous round, it was expected to be a good match-up.
Instead, the Bombers controlled from the opening bounce to win 19.13 (127)-7.5 (47).
Returning to his normal spot in the forward line, James Nolan kicked three goals for the Bombers, while reigning Bowen medallist Paul Sahlberg showed his form of last year with a best-on-ground performance.
Ethan Cove was named best in what was a disappointing day all round for the Hawks, with Matt Bourke and Brandon Nicholls suffering serious injuries.
Rupertswood and Romsey proved to be the game of the round, in a low-scoring hard-fought battle.
There was nothing in the game all through the match, with the Sharks finally sneaking across the line 6.10 (46)-6.6 (42).
It was a day for the midfielders, with Brett Chambers (Sharks) and Matthew Burkett (Redbacks) each scoring three goals.
Brent Swallow was best on ground.
Elsewhere, Broadford made it successive wins with victory over Lancefield, kicking five goals to two in the second half to win 10.14 (74)-7.8 (50).
The other three matches were one-sided affairs, with the favourites getting up.
Macedon was too strong for Wallan winning by 39 points, Diggers Rest thrashed Melton Centrals to remain on top of the ladder and Sunbury Kangaroos’ kept Rockbank to two points in a 147-point win at Boardman Reserve.