North Warrnambool Eagles dominate midfield battle against Terang Mortlake

The Eagles took advantage of a strong southerly wind, leaving the Bloods goalless when kicking against the wind to notch a 16.19 (115) to 3.6 (24) victory at Bushfield Recreation Reserve.

Dowie said his group identified their midfield as a strength last time the two teams played to replicate the win.

"I think in our best six, five were midfielders," he said of players such as Jett Bermingham and Bailey Jenkinson.

"I thought we were able to win it centre bounce, stoppage-wise and once we got the ball in our forward half we were able to defend that pretty well.

"That was on the back of our good contested footy around clearances."

Matt Wines (three goals), Jarryd Lewis (two) and Nathan Vardy (two) hit the board multiple times, with 12 goal scorers all up for the Eagles.

The Bloods struggled to get much going forward, kicking most of their score in the second and fourth quarters.

"They played seven defenders, so played Will Kain back when we kicked with the wind both times," Dowie said. "Because of that of they didn't threaten the scoreboard when they were kicking towards the northern end. "

Both teams escaped unscathed with injury.

North Warrnambool awaits a compelling clash against South Warrnambool, with Dowie confident his side is playing better football in the second half of the season.

"We've got guys playing their roles more," he said. "They're fitter and I know they're all doing extras. And in terms of personnel-wise, we just want a bit of continuity.

"South is one of the power teams of the competition so it will be a good battle."

Terang Mortlake returns to its home base for a test against Portland.

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