Improving the Bloods’ ball use and movement was atop the former VFL footballer’s list.

The first-year mentor signed off on the 2016 Hampden league season knowing his charges had accepted and passed the challenge.

“Our ball movement today in the first half was as good as I have seen all year,” Dirago said after the Bloods’ 18.12 (120) to 8.6 (54) loss to finals-bound Port Fairy on Saturday.

“We are really confident in our foot skills now and back ourselves to change direction and not just bomb down the line.”

Terang Mortlake finished its campaign in ninth place with three wins.

But Dirago believes the Bloods have foundations in place to rebound quickly.

“We’ve already got guys committed for next year, which is great,” he said.

“Ninety per cent of the list is committed. We need a ruckman.”

Dirago, who relocated from Melbourne to take on the Terang Mortlake role, said he relished the chance to jump into senior coaching in a hotly-contested major league competition.

“I have loved it, loved every bit of coaching,” he said.

“We have a great bunch of kids and to see improvement is really rewarding for me.

“Personally it was disappointing with my shoulder injury; it knocked me around a bit.”

The Bloods were within 14 points of the Seagulls at the main break before falling away in the second half.