Warrnambool Seahawks are channeling that notion as they strive to enter the Big V finals picture.

Alex Gynes' men produced a first-class defensive effort - driven through youngster Malakye Cunningham - to stun Collingwood at Warrnambool Stadium on Saturday night.

Gynes said while Cunningham set the tone, his entire squad pulled its weight to restrict Collingwood to just 76 points.

"We were coming up against probably one of the best players in the league in Manny Hendrix," he said.

"We stuck to the task and did a really good job on him. Malayke coming in was great in that regard.

"For a young bloke he really had a defensive focus and really set the tone for us in trying to make it a tough night for their import."

Cunningham also impacted the Seahawks' offensive end, finishing with 11 points, five assists and two rebounds.

"He really started to let the game come to him in the fourth quarter," Gynes said.

"He made a couple of big shots for us and made a few really nice passes and plays and got others involved which was really good to see."

Gynes also praised Tom Symons, who played a telling role in leading the Seahawks offense, and veteran Simon O'Keefe, who finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The first-year coach said the Seahawks' tempo also helped get his side over the line in the five-point win.

"We pushed the ball and ran more than we have in previous weeks," he said.

"The effort and energy was really there and while we still struggled at times with defensive lapses the effort and energy was excellent."

He emphasised the impact of strong team defence and said his men would continue to build on the stopping aspect of their game.

"Our defensive rotations are one thing we need to keep building," Gynes said.

"On offence we want to explore early opportunities and playing with a bit of pace. If we're playing with a slow tempo we're easy to defend.

"If we can play with a bit of pace and put the defence on the back foot, that'll hold us in good stead."

Warrnambool Seahawks will play off against Southern Peninsula at Hillview Stadium in Rosebud on Saturday before facing off against Shepparton on the road the following week.

Warrnambool Mermaids, meanwhile, suffered a 38-point loss to Chelsea at home.

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