South Warrnambool is using frank feedback to spur on its growth as a group.

The Roosters dug deep to see off a persistent Camperdown on Saturday, posting a 7.14 (56) to 5.12 (42) triumph at Friendly Societies Park.

Battistello said South Warrnambool was learning to "win ugly" but wanted to shore up its ball movement and polish after a looming two-week spell.

"That seems to be the pattern with us at the moment, we're sort of just finding our feet. We're finding a way to win and win ugly," he said.

"We would've taken that 18 months ago when I was first here. To their credit they've grown but we'd like to see a fair bit of improvement after the bye in terms of our ball movement and execution.

"I wouldn't have said the conditions weren't conjusive to playing good football. It was more the style and the skill error, what they were trying to manufacture versus what we were trying to do as well.

"We're extremely happy to get the win. We have a lot of respect for Camperdown and they're obviously a good side, so to come away with a win is pleasing."

South Warrnambool started as the better of the two sides but coughed up a quarter-time lead to trail at the main break.

The game became an arm wrestle in the third term and the Roosters - who were the cleaner side entering forward 50 - were able to gather a two goal buffer as the seconds ticked down.

Battistello said the Roosters needed to employ a "growth mindset" to catch the better Hampden league sides.

"We've got to look for ways to get better and sometimes that needs to be hard conversations at times," he said.

"Part of the growth of the group is learning to have them. We spoke about that and our ability to go and execute.

"There were a couple of really pleasing signs from that side of things."

Battistello reserved praise for debutant George Stevens, who provided a strong target up forward.

"We're going to love having him for the small time that we've got him and his family," he said.

"Both Archie and George (Stevens) have probably got bigger and better things to go on with."

Joe Dalton came off with a hamstring complaint while Josh Place (ankle) was Camperdown's sole injury concern.

Magpies coach Neville Swayn said while his side was disappointed to lose, they'd take positives out of their performance.

"We don't go home thinking we can't take it up to these top sides," he said.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.