Co-coach Wayne Robertson said the Bombers were bracing themselves for a vital clash with eighth-placed Portland – itself vying for a top five berth – this Saturday as the squeeze for a finals chance continues.

“We’ve got a chance to go two games clear of them or equal points,” he said.

“The way things are going with the ladder, we certainly want to be two games clear.”

With Hamilton largely escaping the horrid conditions that impacted games closer to Warrnambool on the weekend, Cobden held just a one-goal lead at the main break, before piling on 10.2 to five behinds in the second half for a comfortable victory.

“We made the most of our opportunities … and made we were backing up our decision making with some good skills,” Robertson said.

Brody Mahoney put in the hard yards inside and outside for the Bombers, playing well through the midfield and forward, while Levi Dare was again strong in the ruck.

Hamilton Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn said Cobden started to get on top in the second quarter, with two periods of play hurting his side.

“(Cobden kicked) seven goals in 10 minutes of footy om the third quarter – the last quarter we probably had the majority of the play (but couldn’t convert),” he said.

Teenaged wingman Sean Barnes was the Roos’ best.