The 2014 joint Maskell Medallist credited Brody Mahoney, Angus Uwland, Joel Moriarty and Jack Hammond for their roles in lifting the Bombers to a preliminary final.

“I think a young leadership group is driving a bit of a professional edge to training and a raised level of intensity at training and just a few higher standards when it comes to the full list committing to the common goal,” he said. 

“I think going into the backend of the year and out of the two finals we’ve gained a fair bit of ground and got a lot of the senior list on the same page.

“The young leaders and (coach) Levi (Dare) are really driving that, which is really impressive and quite contagious.

“It doesn’t take much encouragement for other guys to jump on.”

Dare, 26 next month, said he was happy to play a variety of roles for his older brother Levi. He has cobbled together 12 games in his comeback season after missing 18 months with a serious knee injury.

A shoulder complaint hampered the Colac dairy farmer early but he’s hit peak fitness in September.

“I have played in the back line for the two finals and other than that I have been floating from the forward line into the midfield,” Dare said.

Dare said Cobden would have to be at its best to overcome triple reigning premier Koroit on Saturday.

“I have only seen them play once this year but they set up very well and they seem a very well-systemed and coached side,” he said.

“If we can have it on our terms and not allow them to set up, it will go a long way to being competitive.”