And this team-first mentality was on full display in Panmure's gutsy 14.10 (94) to 8.1 (59) win over South Rovers at Walter Oval that breathed some new life into its Warrnambool and District league season.

"We knew that if we dropped that one it would have made things very tough," Bant said.

"We're in the hunt now, but we've got a tough run ahead."

Paddy Mahony, who was best on ground, made what was perhaps a match-winning smother in the third quarter when South Rovers were streaming into their forward line.

Instead, the ball ended up at the other end for a crucial Bulldogs' goal that went a long way to allowing Panmure to leapfrog South Rovers on the WDNL ladder.

Bulldogs captain Louis Kew also showed off his silky ball use to score two goals and set up several others, but Bant said there were contributors right across the ground.

"That's just the way we are," he said.

"We've good pretty depth at the moment and if a few blokes have a down day, then others stand up.

"And our pressure in the first quarter was probably the best it's been for a long time."

Panmure lost Tom Wright (sore back) pre-game while Jacob Moloney went down with a shoulder injury.

But Bant said if the Bulldogs could improve their ball use, they would take it up to third-placed Nirranda next week.

South Rovers coach Adam Matheson said the stinging loss was made worse by a season-ending broken arm suffered by Matt Farmer in the third quarter.

"He's been in good form and is a key back who marshals the troops," Matheson said.

"We'll really miss his direction going forward."

The Lions could regain key forward Jake Morton (neck) and utility Declan Attrill (head knock), as well as defender Ben Fary (unavailable) for next week's clash with Old Collegians.

But Matheson said he was more concerned about patching up South Rovers' ball use, as he faced the problem as Bant.

"Our best footy is when we get to the outside," he said.

"We had chances to do that but just fumbled or miss our targets.

"And while credit must be given to Panmure for its pressure, this is something we need to work on, because the cleaner you use the ball, the quicker it moves down the ground."

Matheson said Saturday's 35-point defeat, along with the 12-point loss to Allansford in round eight, would hurt South Rovers' chances of a finals berth.

South Rovers take on Old Collegians next week.

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