THE chasing pack is large and within striking distance but fifth spot is Terang Mortlake’s to lose.
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The Bloods skipped a game clear of Camperdown, Cobden, Hamilton Kangaroos and South Warrnambool on Saturday.
Their 11.16 (82) to 7.11 (53) win over Hamilton Kangaroos at Melville Oval tightened their grip on a finals spot and could prove telling in a Hampden league season littered with upsets and close finishes.
The Bloods’ visit to the Kangaroos’ fortress was billed as a crunch game for both sides.
And the contest started in a fashion expected of a game which had so much at stake — it was tight and tough with both teams applying immense pressure on the ball carrier.
But Terang Mortlake adapted better and worked its way on top.
It extended its lead at every change and could have won by more than 29 points if not for inaccuracy in front of goal.
The Bloods’ forward line functioned better than the Kangaroos’, with key tall Chris Bant proving the difference.
Bant was too strong, reeling in a number of strong contested grabs as he made the most of the Bloods’ efficient forward entries.
He was wayward in front of goal — as were most players on the ground — but found the football often enough to cause headaches for the Roos defenders.
Terang Mortlake coach Matthew Irving said Bant’s presence in attack was a catalyst.
“I think Banty kicked 4.5 or 4.6 for the day,” Irving said.
“I think he took 10 marks inside our forward 50.
“We were able to give him some space on such a small ground.”
The Kangaroos’ forward line, so effective the week before against Port Fairy, struggled.
Their poor delivery forward hurt their chances.
Bloods utility Ryan O’Connor blanketed Hugh Douglas which robbed the Roos of their main scoring threat.
Douglas, who booted six goals the week before, failed to kick a major.
Irving watched the Kangaroos dismantle the Seagulls last Sunday and knew it was imperative the Bloods negated smooth midfielder Tim Meulendyks.
The former SANFL player still gathered important touches but didn’t have the same game-changing impact he did against Port Fairy.
“We were able to get Chris Baxter on to him everywhere he went,” Irving said.
“They might have broke even but I think Chris’ influence for us in the first 10 or 15 minutes, taking marks across half-back and his run and carry, just set the tone for us.”
Hamilton Kangaroos coach Jarrod Holt rued his side’s missed chances.
The Kangaroos’ decision making and skill level deteriorated as the game wore on and was a stark contrast to their crisp performance six days earlier.
“We kept talking all day about our ball movement forward and nothing landed for us today,” he said.
“He (Bant) killed us last time as well. He played very well but he got a lot of good delivery in there as well which was the opposite to us.”
But Holt, again sidelined with a back complaint, is confident the Kangaroos will fight the season out, with finals still a possibility.