The Bloods’ 40-21 win over an undermanned Port Fairy at Mortlake was just their second of the season and lifted them to eighth on the ladder.

“It’s long overdue,” a relieved Arundell said.

“Everyone just played really well right from the first quarter.”

Arundell said the return of goal keeper Jess O’Connor for her first game after pregnancy was a catalyst for the performance.

With O’Connor in defence and the tall, athletic Britt Hyland at goal attack, the Bloods were dominant.

“Just having height at either end of the court makes a huge difference,” Arundell said. The Bloods have a golden opportunity to string consecutive wins when they face bottom side Warrnambool on Saturday.

Arundell said her side needed to build more momentum.

“We would be relying on other teams to lose to make the finals,” she said.

“But I would be really happy if we could keep going the way we did. It’s amazing the difference a win makes. Having the week off, everyone was fresh and it was a real positive vibe through the whole game.”

Second-placed North Warrnambool Eagles conceded just nine goals in the first half as they outpointed bottom-side Warrnambool 58-23 at Bushfield Recreation Reserve.

Coach Sharon Kenna said Eagles goal keeper Rachael Ryan and goal defence Jordyn Billings were pivotal.

“They were really outstanding,” she said.

Camperdown claimed a 24-goal win over Cobden to jump back into the five at the expense of Portland.

The Magpies’ 52-28 win victory elevated them a game clear of the Tigers with six matches remaining.

Coach Tracey Baker said it was one of the Magpies’ best performances of the season.

“We just played a solid four quarters,” she said.

“There was a lot of space. We haven’t found that space in the previous weeks. 

“The game was really open and our timing was right. 

“We all clicked at the same time.”

Teenager Megan Bullen at goal keeper was impressive in a best-on-court performance.