The Hamilton Kangaroos struggled to hold their own against five-time reigning premiers Koroit in the opening round of the Hampden league season. 

But Kangaroos boom recruit Levi Dare, a former VFL player with Port Melbourne and North Ballarat Roosters, said the 77-point loss to the Saints would educate his developing side.

The 196cm ruckman, who spent the last three years playing for Cobden and won a Geelong Football League premiership with Colac in 2014, was in awe of Koroit's work-rate and ball use, which allowed for a heavy number of uncontested marks. 

"That was the best I've seen them play," he said. 

"But the good thing is we've seen the benchmark from round one.

"And now we know the gap we've got to close over the rest of the season."

Dare, 29, said there was plenty of natural talent at Hamilton, with the likes of Harry Waters and Dylan Starkie - both among the Kangaroos' best last week - making a fast start to the season, while Angus Noske had also impressed after putting in extra time at the gym.

"It's a great club - I get along with all the boys and I'm keen to see what they can do," he said. 

"They haven't discovered yet how good they can be and playing sides like Koroit and South Warrnambool this week is another good test.

"The Roosters have a new coach and slightly different list...so I don't quite know what to expect, but they've been strong recently."

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