The Power kicked 10.5 to 3.1 in the last term en route to the 23.21 (159) to 11.4 (70) triumph at Noorat Recreation Reserve.

But the performance, particularly during the middle two quarters when the Bombers worked their way into the contest, left Kenna downcast.

He was pleased with the 10-goal final term but believed a repeat performance would not end well against Dennington this weekend. 

“The conditions weren’t too bad, the ground was heavy but there was no rain or wind. As far as moving the footy there were no excuses,” he said.

“I think we were a little bit off today. Although we got beaten by Rovers (a fortnight earlier) I thought we played all right, we just couldn’t get goals.

“Against those top sides I thought we played OK, we’ve been competitive.

“But some sides, when they’re a bit young and a bit below others in personnel, you don’t tend to have consistent four-quarter efforts.”

Kenna said the Power had a focus to play “direct” against the Bombers but believed the message only sunk in after three-quarter-time.

“It opened up for us, we found more space in the forward line than what we had for the first three quarters,” he said.

He was upbeat the Power could shake up the top five against the Dogs on Saturday, despite its own finals hopes effectively extinguished.

“Dennington start as red-hot favourite but we give ourselves a chance ... If we played like we did today we’ll be nowhere near it,” he said.

Kolora-Noorat tall Tom Kenna booted six goals in a best-afield effort while Luke Tebble, Luke Kenna and Martin Wynd chipped in with four each.

Paul McSween, Stephen O’Connor, Sam Hasell and George O’Sullivan were also among the key contributors.

Chris Edwards led the East Warrnambool goalkicking with three and featured in their best players for the 12th time from 15 matches.

He had support from Cale Jarvis, Blake Rudland-Castles, Jayson Millet, Jono Malone and Tyronne Grayson.

Bombers coach Paul Butters said he was pleased with his players’ endeavour for three quarters. He put the fade-out down to a lack of rotations.

“At three-quarter-time we were 40-something points down,” he said. “We had some really good passages of play in the second and third quarters. To be able to kick 11 goals for the game was good.

“Our work rate in the last quarter dropped off due to us not having as many rotations as the opposition but it was a pretty pleasing day.

“Our ball use and skills and linking up was better than it’s been for a long time.”