Koroit started slowly, but finished with a bang to emerge victorious over South Warrnambool

The Roosters got off to a flyer at Victoria Park leading the reigning premiers by four goals at the first break.

However, from that point onward the Saints showed why they are still the form team of the competition, limiting South to just nine points after quarter time.

The Roosters were still in the contest at three quarter time, trailing by 21 points, but a reversed free kick and a 50-metre penalty derailed any chances of a final quarter fight back.

The Saints continued to pile on the pain, as they kicked eight unanswered final quarter goals to seal the 16.20.116 to 6.5.41 victory.

Koroit coach Chris McLaren said he was pleased with his sides opening round victory.

“It's a great to get away with a good win,” he told The Standard after the match.

“We were under the pump early and South were really sharp and to the boys credit they fought back and wrestled a little bit back to be in front at half time and then our second half was outstanding.”

The Saints mentor said he was proud of the way his side had limited the Roosters in the third quarter. 

“I thought our third quarter was our best quarter, kicking into the wind and to outscore them and we kept them to one goal in that quarter,” McLaren said.

“We pride ourselves on how well we defend as a team, so we weren't overly happy with how we played in the first quarter and South played well early, so for us to defend well later in the game was great.

“We defended really well, which is the most pleasing thing for us.”

Will Couch (six goals) and Jarrod Korewha (four goals) were the stars for the Saints up forward, recieving praise from McLaren post match.

“Will was electric, Korewha was terrific and our small forwards were great too,” he said.

“It’s a different forward line for us this year without Marcus Darmody, as it’s a bit more unpredictable and there are plenty of guys who can go through there. 

“Daniel Roache and Hamish Gurry were good when they went through there and I thought they were able to isolate really well and we had a good spread of goals.”

McLaren commended the efforts of debutants Todd White, Gurry and Roache.

“Todd was outstanding,” he said. “I looked up a few times and he had some difficult match-ups and took a great mark with the flight of the ball in the third quarter.

“Daniel was good in the ruck and Hamish hasn't played footy for two years, so it was good he could come back in and look dangerous.”