NORTH Warrnambool Eagles are closer to cementing a top-three spot and double chance come finals after becoming the first team to defeat Cobden in 2019.
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The Jaime Barr-led side improved its record to 9-2 to be one win behind the Bombers entering the Hampden league bye.
Barr said defence had been the Eagles' back bone this season but its attack shone in wet and slippery conditions at Bushfield on Saturday.
Victoria Grundy (27 goals) and Skye Billings (26) were dominant in the 53-44 victory.
"Fifty-three goals is impressive in those conditions and really, that was one of the most pleasing things," Barr said.
"They really stood up and shot well. Our defenders, Jordy (Billings) and Grace (Butters), have been holding us up week to week and this week I thought our attackers stood up and took things to a new level."
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The Eagles pushed the Bombers earlier in the season and were confident they could overcome the league's pace-setter.
"We are a bit more settled now," Barr said.
"Zoe Bussell snapped her achilles in the third quarter of that game and we were six goals up at that stage and then we fell away because of that.
"I had a really good chat to the girls on Thursday night about what we needed to do and I asked them what they thought we needed to do and they came up with it.
"We've got a core nucleus now and they came up with a plan we could execute together."
Barr said Cobden was without important duo Jaymie Finch and Remeny McCann which depleted its firepower.
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Justine McCullagh-Beasy
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Sports journalist with an interest in feature reporting. Email: justine.mc@austcommunitymedia.com.au
