Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn believes their 17.12 (114) to 8.13 (61) triumph over South Warrnambool will give them confidence against a Koroit outfit on the rebound.

“It’s probably the best game we have played this year and probably the biggest win we’ve had as a club,” he said following the Pride Game at Melville Oval.

The Kangaroos are one of a handful of sides now vying for a top-five spot.

They lost their first six games before eking out a draw against Warrnambool.

Victories against Cobden and North Warrnambool Eagles followed.

A game-breaking seven-goal third term against the Roosters – the only top-five team they’ve beaten – has rivals taking notice.

“The belief has been there the whole time,” Dunn said.

“It’s just a matter of adjusting to new players coming into the team and how we function in different areas of the ground.

“There’s been improvement every week for the past five weeks.”

Dunn, who was pleased with the Roos’ 30-per-quarter tackle count, said their defensive unit stifled the Roosters.

“We gave South no space and that was a starting point for us,” he said.

“Sean Barnes played a good role on a half-back flank and Jandre Slabbert was really good again mostly playing on Shannon Beks.”

Mid-sized forward Josh Pepper kicked six goals to bring his season tally to 22 from 10 matches. His partners-in-crime, tall timber Hugh Douglas and Darcy Russell, also impressed Dunn.

“They all play different roles and they’re starting to understand how everyone plays and our mids are working out how to get the ball in best to them,” he said.

South Warrnambool coach Mat Buck said the Roosters struggled to adapt to the Roos’ pressure. He lamented the Roosters were “dicated to around the ball”.

“We were outplayed in every facet,” Buck said.

“We are backing Warrnambool and Hamilton to have big second halves of the year.”

Classy midfielder Josh Saunders was a shining light as was teenager Jalen Porter.

Liam Youl was the only injury worry, going to hospital with a lower leg concern.