The Bulldogs won by seven goals and showed it can perform to its optimum level against Central Highlands Football League's top teams.

Hepburn showed all the signs of upstaging Daylesford after performing well in a tough first half of the season.

But the Burras were outclassed by a disciplined and focussed Daylesford.

The Bulldogs won more free kicks and appeared to move the ball with more precision.

Coach Phil Davis said the win sent a message to the rest of the competition.

"Going into the match, Hepburn has played a lot of good sides and we really hadn't played any. I think we have now moved on from that and grown as a team," he said.

He said his entire side contributed to the win and his players benefited from being focused on winning in the lead up to the match.

"We were thinking about the game quite a bit in recent weeks," he said.

Davis said utility Luke Penny's adaptability helped Daylesford to stay on top over four quarters.

He also said Michael Davis, who kicked four goals, Scott Winduss and defender Tom Reeves were also important.

Hepburn coach Shane Robinson praised the Bulldogs for their style of play, but said his side could improve significantly on their performance on Saturday.

He said the Burras needed to play more consistently and concentrate harder on eliminating 10-minute fade outs.

Third-placed Hepburn has the chance to return to the winners list on Saturday when it takes on Clunes. Daylesford plays Bunninyong at Bunninyong.