Carse said his men would have more than their usual two recovery sessions this week, nominating Tuesday as a third and possibly Thursday’s main training as a fourth, as they chase a third consecutive victory to start the Hampden league season.

Carse said his players had emerged leg weary from their second consecutive win in heavy conditions after they defeated arch-rival Cobden on Saturday.

Their 20-point win was far from comfortable with a young Cobden side, resolute in defence, pushing them in the 5.12 (42) to 3.4 (22) result at Leura Oval.

Carse was proud of the way his players applied themselves after last year’s best and fairest winner, midfielder Luke Clarke, suffered a corked calf in the opening quarter and took no further part in the game, leaving them a rotation short. 

“We really focused on the defensive side of our game at stoppages and we only let through seven scoring shots for the day, which we were really happy with,” he said.

“We never felt safe. It was within a couple of goals all day and to Cobden’s credit they kept pressing. We were able to shut them down when they did get the momentum and force stoppages.”

Carse said he was pleased with Matthew Pemberton’s relentless in-and-under work in the midfield and Karl Dunn up forward and in the ruck.

Cobden coach Wayne Robertson said Camperdown made the early running.

“I think all but one goal was kicked at the northern end of the ground with the wind and they kicked four goals to our two and that was probably the difference in the end,” he said.

“We tried hard all day. We had eight under 18s in our side. We have to learn from these defeats. It’s about learning whether we win or lose.” The Bombers have a major injury worry with co-coach Paul Foster suffering an ankle injury in the third term. The injury prematurely ended his 200th senior game for the club and has him in doubt for Saturday’s clash against Warrnambool.

grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au