The Seagulls edged closer to the top five with a one-goal victory over fellow finals aspirants South Warrnambool on Saturday.

Watson, who was one of the Seagulls' best in the heart of defence, said effort would play a key role in her side continuing to work towards the finals spots.

"We need to build that 100 per cent (effort) for four quarters," the 20-year-old said after the 45-44 win.

"We are dropping off a bit in the third quarter and sometimes in the fourth so maintaining that intensity and building for four quarters rather than just the two and letting it slip.

"So we really want to focus on playing four quarters."

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Watson said her side, who was coached by division one mentor Renae Taylor in the absence of Rhiannon Cuomo, would need to work on its mentality.

"Sometimes a missed goal or a ball out of court and it (the lapse) just builds from there," the defender said.

"Keeping our heads up in those patches and someone being able to pick us up will be what gets us there."

The Seagulls leader said she was pleased with how her side worked defensively and offensively.

"Eliza (Dwyer) is their target down there in the goal circle and I feel like Sarah (Moroney) and myself really worked hard to shut that down," she said.

"Overall our goalies shot awesome, the mid-court worked hard. It was an overall team effort."

The Seagulls' shooters - Chelsea McMahon and Ashley Evans - combined for their second 45-plus score in two weeks.

"Ash was outstanding today and she hardly missed," Watson said. "She has really been working on creating the space with Chelsea.

"It's a completely new goaling combination so getting that space and working in there is what we are looking for."

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