Warrnambool accounts for Hampden league reigning premier Koroit

The resurgent Blues outplayed the reigning premiers at Victoria Park on Saturday, winning 13.15 (93) to 9.10 (64) to stretch their Hampden league undefeated streak to four games.

McLaren said Warrnambool's off-season additions, including forward Darren Ewing, who kicked six goals, and defender Alex Shipard, had eased the burden.

"I think Damien McCorkell's inclusion has been underrated by a lot of people," he said of the premiership-winning midfielder.

"He is a top-five player in the comp in my opinion, he's a superstar. Someone like 'Damo' takes the pressure off Tom Ludeman, which takes the pressure off Jye Turland which takes the pressure off Mitch Bidmade. It's a flow-on effect."

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Warrnambool led at every change - eight points at quarter-time, 20 at half-time and 18 at the final change - in slippery conditions - and restricted the usually potent Koroit attack.

Key defender Tim O'Keeffe, playing his 200^th senior game, forms part of the Blues' stingy back six which has conceded nine goals or less in each of its four games to date.

"It is extra special beating Koroit and good to stay on top of the ladder," O'Keeffe said of the milestone win.

"I thought we did well over the board, they tried to play a bit of a loose man in the back line and I reckon we played around that well."

Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien heaped praised on O'Keeffe's back six mate Marty van Rooy who shut down Saints playmaker Sam Dobson, restricting him to two goals.

"He defended well and was able to run with him all day," he said.

"Everyone knows Dobson has a huge tank and Marty stayed with him. I thought our onballers played well also, particularly in tight.

"Koroit are terrific in getting first hands on the ball and we probably matched them in that division and also the ability to pressure them across the ground was pretty good. We were able to cause some turnovers."

Ewing took his goal-kicking tally to 28 - 11 clear of Dobson.

McLaren was pleased with Tim McPherson's efforts on the game-changing forward but he still managed to boot six majors.

O'Brien said Ewing's pressure work was underrated and allowed him to stay in the contest.

"One thing people don't notice is how hard Darren tackles," he said.

"He's picked up a couple of goals each week from laying tackles or the ball spills out and someone else crumbs it."

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