The Bombers eked out a hard-fought 11.12 (78) to 9.4 (58) win over the bottom-placed Roos to remain two games clear in fifth spot.

“They are a good running side and have plenty of youth in their side,” Dare said.

“They’re only going to get better. They can push Hampden league sides now.

“They are a side on the up, that’s for sure.”

Dare said the Bombers always had an edge in what he labelled “a scrappy, ugly game”.

Scores were tied at quarter-time and the Bombers had edged out to a nine-point lead at the main break.

“We always had a couple of goals’ break on them after quarter-time and were able to hold that for the majority of the game,” he said.

“Sometimes you have to win ugly and fortunately we were able to do that.”

Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn was rapt with his charges’ endeavour but rued poor disposal.

“The effort was there all day but unfortunately our use by foot let us down again,” he said.

“Levi Dare probably took 20 marks and that was the big difference. Around the ground he worked himself into good positions and had the ball on a string.”

Dare ranked Jahd Anderson and Louis Cahill the Bombers’ best, while Dunn was pleased with Ryan Sigley’s four-goal effort and skipper Hamish Waldron’s contribution in the midfield.