Warrnambool teenage goalie Jessica Thwaites enjoying extra time on the court

The dynamic Keilar was sidelined for the Blues' hard-fought 44-37 win over South Warrnambool at Reid Oval in round eight.

But a teenager who played most of the 2018 season in the Blues' goal ring stepped up and played her role, highlighting their depth.

Jessica Thwaites, 17, said she was happy to play whatever role coach Raewyn Poumako required.

The Emmanuel College student, who played goal attack against the Roosters as Amy Wormald managed plantar fascitis in shooter, has also spent time in goal shooter and wing attack this season.

"It's been pretty fun. I am just working hard and trying to get my goals in," she said.

Thwaites, who is also playing goal attack for the Blues' 17 and under side, said Warrnambool, which is eyeing a return to Hampden league finals, was rapt with its revival in 2019.

"We are all putting in the work at training and it's showing," she said.

Poumako said Thwaites was one of the club's brightest prospects.

"Jess and Amy were our goalie combination last year so they have got good communication and play well together," she said.

Warrnambool raced to a 14-7 quarter-time lead against South Warrnambool but from there it was an even and physical contest.

The blistering opening term pleased Poumako.

"We've certainly been working on having a good start and keeping up our intensity throughout the whole game," she said.

Poumako said the Blues had overcome a slow start to the season and were "slowly starting to see improvements in our game".

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