THE ever-expanding gulf between Terang Mortlake's reputation and its performance this season is glaring for coach Pam Griffiths-Payne.
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While the Bloods are regarded as one of the most threatening teams in the competition, the reality is they are floundering with only three wins in sixth place on Hampden league's A grade ladder.
Six of the team's eight losses have been by less than 10 goals - three have been by just one.
One of those narrow defeats was against today's opponent South Warrnambool in round five.
Sitting two wins of fifth spot - currently occupied by Cobden - Terang-Mortlake has a mighty task ahead if it wants to contend finals.
"I think our performances have been good," Griffiths-Payne said.
"We really need to win every game and Cobden needs to lose a couple.
"But anything can happen in netball."
The assignment of winning the next seven matches confronts the Bloods.
However, a favourable run home including contests against bottom sides Port Fairy and North Warrnambool Eagles could quickly push the red and blue into the top five.
Cobden's tough fixture - with Koroit today and Warrnambool next weekend - will also help.
"We're competitive enough, we just need to get the score on the board," Griffiths-Payne said.
"We still haven't got that win."
The new coach conceded she - like the players - had taken time to adjust.
Instead of quietly taking over the reins, she made daring positional changes.
Jess O'Connor was shifted from defence to goal shooter and former goaler Aimee Arundell was moved into centre.
"It's a young team and they haven't played together before," she said.
"It's taken a while for them to gel but I'm pretty confident in the girls and the way they play."
South Warrnambool is heading into this afternoon's match at full strength after claiming the scalp of the previously unbeaten Camperdown last round.
Coach Leah Kermeen selected a permanent team of eight following the round 11 game.
"We want to capitalise and continue our form from the last game," she said.
"We've got a settled side now hand hopefully we can string some wins together."
She said weather conditions would play a major role in today's contest.
In other matches, Port Fairy will be taught another lesson by Camperdown, Cobden will struggle against Koroit and North Warrnambool Eagles will be no match for Warrnambool.
