THIS week's bye couldn't have come at a better time for reigning premier Koroit as it looks to freshen up for a showdown with fierce rival Camperdown in two weeks' time.
The Saints were forced to take a makeshift side into Saturday's clash against South Warrnambool after being without defender Holly Greene and goaler Carly Pulling because of basketball commitments and injured goaler Marissa Chapman.
Coach Jacqui Bowman said she was relieved the Saints were able to win against the Roosters 54-28.
"I was a bit worried coming in, we were very depleted," she said.
Bowman said teenage goaler Chloe Pulling played three games for the day such was the shortage of players, while Rebecca Beard, Brooke Lenehan and Elli Chapman pushed up from A1 to help out.
"Because all the girls were playing A1, we couldn't even warm up together," she said. "But we still had a good start."
Bowman said she was forced to rotate players through a variety of positions as each got court time.
She said goaler Rachel Dobson had impressed, firstly as shooter and later as goal attack. She and Chloe Pulling teamed well, splitting the side's 54 goals.
Koroit opened a six-goal lead at quarter-time and extended that in each of the following three terms.
Bowman said the Saints would train this week despite the bye as they looked to build their fitness base.
She said she was unsure if the three missing on Saturday would be available.
South Warrnambool was best served by Brittany Hyland and goaler Eliza Dwyer.