Dobson’s side maintained its unbeaten record with a 49-29 victory against the fourth-placed Roosters at the Friendly Societies’ Park. 

But the match was much tighter than what the scorelined suggested.

The Roosters, minus regular defenders Bridget Smith and Hannah Oates, were within seven goals deep in the third quarter as they challenged the powerhouse.

But Koroit, without star goal shooter Carley Thomas, who was unavailable, got on top in the final term.

Saints co-coach Kate Dobson said she believed her side was building after struggling in its two previous games.

“We played very patchy but we were happy with the game considering our last two efforts against Port Fairy (draw) and Hamilton Kangaroos (five goal win),” she said.

Dobson said her side’s inconsistency in matches, highlighted by the Roosters’ surge in the third quarter, worried the Saints. But the way her players responded in the final term was impressive, giving her confidence the Saints were returning to their best.

Thomas will return for Saturday’s match against fifth-placed Camperdown.

South Warrnambool coach Leah Kermeen was pleased the Roosters had significantly reduced the gap between the two sides since their last meeting in round three when the Saints won by 41. “We were two players down and we only lost by 20,” she said.

Kermeen said the performances of 15 and under player Ally O’Connor at wing defence and goal defence, goalie Rachel Jaynes and midcourter Liv Niddrie were important as the Roosters searched for depth after the mid-season loss of Liz Byrne and Sarah Jacobs to pregnancy.

The Roosters face sixth-placed Portland in a crunch game on Saturday.