South Warrnambool loses two footballers to hamstring injuries on the eve of 2019 finals

The Roosters will be without midfielders Liam Youl and Hugh Clancey for their Hampden league elimination final against Port Fairy next weekend.

South Warrnambool coach Mat Battistello said their injuries were in the two-week range.

Both were hurt in the Roosters' humbling 11.17 (83) to 4.4 (28) loss to minor premier North Warrnambool Eagles at a muddy Bushfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

"We had two go today and two go last week but we've been lucky soft tissue wise throughout the year," Battistello said.

The injury toll is not Battistello's only concern.

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He said South Warrnambool was "beaten convincingly".

"We were completely outplayed for three quarters," Battistello said.

"It is reflective of how our year has gone. We've played good games and played poor games.

"We move onto next week. We know we have to turn it around quickly and we have to, we have no choice.

"You'd like to go in with more convincing performances than what we've delivered."

Battistello said North Warrnambool Eagles play-maker Sam McLachlan was "outstanding".

"He was best on by three carts," he said.

"He was pretty special today, he kicked three goals and would've had 35 disposals."

North Warrnambool Eagles coach Adam Dowie was pleased with McLachlan's contribution too, not just against the Roosters but across the season.

"He was terrific. It will be interesting Maskell Medal day," he said.

"He might come home strong in that.

"He is just a really good player. He's been a bit dangerous and hit the scoreboard and the way we play helps him.

"Hopefully we share the ball and kick it around so he doesn't just have to win a contested situation."

Dowie said the Eagles, who finished the season with 16 wins, one loss and a draw, would train as usual on Tuesday and Thursday.

They will have a training session at Derrinallum on Saturday before heading to Hamilton's Melville Oval to watch the qualifying final between Koroit and Warrnambool.

The master coach, who is chasing a seventh Hampden league premiership, said the Eagles, who are yet to collect a flag, were aware of the task at hand.

"One season starts, another one finishes," Dowie said.

"Our destiny is in our own hands a little bit but there is no reason we can't be a major factor this year in finals."

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