Fifth-ranked Camperdown is one of the open grade's in-form teams, despite an up-and-down start to the season.

Brooke Richardson's side has won five of its past six matches with significant wins against third-ranked North Warrnambool and second-placed Koroit.

It faces Portland on Saturday at Hanlon Park in the penultimate round.

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The Magpies mentor said the return of Emma Wright, from overseas travel, had been a significant bonus.

The goal keeper has been lining up alongside Richardson in defence.

Richardson said the experienced Wright had caught the attention of opposition coaches.

"I think every week I hear of other coaches commenting on her role," she said.

Wright, who returned in round 11, had an instant impact with a best-on-court performance in the Magpies' win over Koroit.

In Wright's absence, the Magpies were swinging shooters Amanda Clark and Jess Cameron back to defence.

Richardson said she now had versatility at her disposal.

She can use Wright, Clark and Cameron in defence.

The playing coach said she had used Cameron in wing defence at times since Wright's return.

Richardson said she had also developed as a coach throughout the season.

She said she had become better at using her whole squad.

The Magpies coach said the experienced Tracey Baker was proving pivotal off the bench.

She said Baker's knowledge and attack on the ball was an asset at wing attack.

Baker was in the Magpies' best in the win over South Warrnambool on Saturday.

Richardson's side turned-the-tables against the seventh-ranked Roosters.

The Magpies scored a one-goal victory after an early season 51-35 loss to Mandy van Rooy's team.

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