The Bombers continued to build momentum with a comprehensive 17.7 (109) to 10.8 (68) victory over a flat South Warrnambool in Sunday’s knockout first semi-final at Gardens Oval.

It was the Bombers’ third score of 100-plus in the past three weeks, and their fourth win on the trot.

Their current purple patch stems from a frustrating loss to Koroit a month ago, when they led at half time, only to go on to lose after a bad fadeout.

“In the last month since the Koroit game, we’ve won those second halves,” Dare said. “That’s a big focus for us: just not to take the foot off the gas.

“We’re playing a lot better footy this time, our form is good and we’ve got a better side this time. It makes a difference when you’ve got everyone to pick from.”

Against the Roosters, the Bombers once again showed they are not a force to be trifled with in the finals.

After South Warrnambool kicked the first goal of the contest, Cobden responded with the next three and were never headed again.

They took a 14-point lead into the first break, and by half-time held a commanding 29-point advantage.

The Roosters were frustrated time and time again in the first half by the Bombers’ defence, led by Joe Dare, which repeatedly cut off and rebounded their attacking forays.

Roosters coach Mathew Buck lamented his side’s inability to capitalise on their opportunities in the first half, despite locking the ball forward and gaining repeat entries.

Both sides wasted multiple chances early in the third, before Roosters Manny Sandow and Shannon Beks broke the deadlock, cutting the deficit back to 17.

But Ryan Smith quickly responded for the Bombers, and they extended their lead to 35 by the end of the quarter, going on to win by 41.

Dare said the Bombers would look to capitalise on the best form they’ve had all year against the Saints.

“We know there’s no next week if we can’t get it done and the boys are really thriving on it and they’re driving themselves and playing some really good footy while they’re doing it,” he said.

“It’s the best footy we’ve played all year and it’s the time of the year you want to do it.”