The Lions, with five wins and five losses, are sitting one game clear in fifth, ahead of Russells Creek and Allansford on the Warrnambool and District league ladder.

Meanwhile, Dennington took injuries away from the clash.

Coach Ben Thornton said the Dogs lost backman Zeb McKenna and midfielder Matt Dwyer in the first half.

He said McKenna went down with a tight hamstring while Dwyer might have a couple of busted ribs which he is getting looked at.

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Thornton said those injuries didn't help the Dogs' cause on Saturday.

The playing-coach, who kicked a goal, sent midfielder Lewis Campbell-Gavin to the backline to cover for McKenna.

"And Lewis did a great job down there and was one of our better players on the day," Thornton said.

The Dogs mentor said the group would train this week and then have the weekend off given the league bye.

He said despite heavy defeats everyone in the new-look team had bought in to the season.

"We're having great numbers at training, we want to keep that rolling," he said.

Thornton said the focus for games ahead would be on bringing intensity.

"We play better footy when our pressure is up-and-about," he said.

South Rovers 6.2, 11.6, 19.12, 23.16 (154)

Dennington 1.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 (17)

GOALS

South Rovers : A. Farrell 5, H. Boyd 5, K. Lenehan 4, S. Williams 3, D. Cox 2, J. Dalton 2, J. Higgins 1, T. Wood 1

Dennington : B. Thornton 1, R. Barling 1

BEST

South Rovers : K. Lenehan, D. Cox, T. Harman, J. Higgins, S. Williams, J. Dalton

Dennington : L. Pearson, L. Campbell-Gavin, J. Johnstone, J. Turner, B. Baker, T. Fitzgerald

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