A promising Blues side had the advantage of familiar surrounds, at home to the visiting Road, but not much went the hosts’ way on Saturday afternoon, as Tonny fell by 72 points.
A cagey start to the game saw the sides trade the first two goals, but Congupna would seize control with consecutive majors, going into the first break up 14.
The Road pushed the advantage in the second to lead by 33 at half-time and really broke the shackles in the third term, keeping the Blues goalless to surge out by 60 points.
Tongala rediscovered its attacking touch in the final quarter, but Congupna continued to pile on points to take the win 20.12 (132) to 9.6 (60).
Darcy Laffy carried Tongala’s offensive hopes throughout the game, kicking six of his side’s nine goals.
The Congupna scoring load was spread more widely, with five players hitting the target twice or more.
Laffy understandably was the Blues’ best of the afternoon, while coach Jordan Souter also praised the likes of Riley Smith, Jack Monigatti and Tristan Watson in midfield, Bailey Waasdorp at half-forward and known goal threat Tom Holman, who rotated into half-back for the clash.
At 4-3 the Blues, now in sixth spot, are still well-positioned for a strong year, with losses to the top two in their rearview mirror.
In a slightly truncated round nine, which has three teams on the bye, Tonny will be favoured to return to the winners' list against bottom side Rumbalara.
The Blues are on the road for the clash, visiting Mercury Drive, Shepparton.
The game
Tongala: 2.0, 5.2, 5.4, 9.6 (60)
Congupna: 4.2, 10.5, 14.10, 20.12 (132)
Goals
Tongala: Darcy Laffy 6, Jack Hammond, Cameron Illet, Bailey Waasdorp
Congupna: Robbie Mifka 4, Daniel Schaper 4, James Boyer 3, Ben Fulford 3, Sam Barbuto 2, Mitchell Beck, Preston Hall, Thomas McCluskey, Tate Mifka
Best
Tongala: Darcy Laffy, Riley Smith, Bailey Waasdorp, Tom Holman, Jack Monigatti, Tristan Watson
Congupna: Bryden Squire, James Boyer, Jordan Gee, Samuel Buxton, Billy Cooper, Rylen Damianopoulos