But the Magpies dug deep, winning their last three matches to earn an unlikely Hampden league finals berth.

The Phil Carse-led outfit epitomised self-belief on its road to September after responding from a 121-point drubbing from reigning premier Koroit to knock off ladder-leader North Warrnambool Eagles a week later.

Easier assignments against youth-laden South Warrnambool and Hamilton Kangaroos ensued.

The Magpies knew though that wins – and percentage – were vital to their cause and played accordingly.

Their 19.20 (134) to 9.7 (61) triumph over the Roos at Melville Oval on Saturday sealed fifth spot and an elimination final showdown with Port Fairy.

Carse couldn’t be prouder of his charges.

“Our backs were firmly against the wall three weeks ago and to the boys’ credit, they showed they have plenty of heart and work ethic,” he said.

“Their intensity was near-faultless the last three weeks. Hopefully they can take that belief into the finals now.”

Carse said the Magpies, who were locked in a battle for fifth with Cobden, emphasised the importance of playing each contest on its merit.

“We talked at length about not being complacent and paying full respect to the opposition,” he said.

“And we did think Cobden would give Warrnambool a run for their money. We knew we not only had to win, but win well.”

Carse praised the bottom-placed Kangaroos for their efforts, particularly in the first half when they were within 27 points.

“Hamilton was actually really competitive; the scoreline didn’t do justice to how well they played,” he said.

“They were up and about and had plenty of energy to end the year like we thought they’d have.

“We were just a bit more efficient with the ball and a bit cleaner with our entry inside 50.”

Hamilton Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn said their last performance was indicative of their season.

“As most weeks go, we went in at half-time and were certainly a chance and looking at the stats, it was an even game of footy,” he said.

“We probably had more of the ball but the way there were able to use it was a lot more effective.

“Our pressure and intensity was good but we weren’t able to use the footy. We made costly mistakes, both with and without the ball.”

Dunn, who is committed for 2017, said the Kangaroos needed to add size and experience to their list in the off-season and would retain the bulk of their young list.