North Warrnambool Eagles are far from perfect in Adam Dowie's eyes

The first-year Eagles mentor challenged his side at half-time of Saturday's 13.7 (85) to 7.12 (54) victory over Portland and again issued the call for his side to improve its work rate following the win.

"They try hard but sometimes you have got to do more than try hard," he said.

"It's running when they can't run or feel like the can't as they always can run more to help spread our outside game, which all year has been something we have been trying to get better at, and we will get there."

The call came after Dowie conceded his side had dropped its pressure at times against the Tigers and it still had plenty of areas to improve in despite its undefeated run continuing.

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Forward Tom O'Leary is expected to miss at least one match for the Eagles after injuring his groin in the 31-point victory.

Dowie said O'Leary, who left the ground mid-way through the second term, could return after the bye to face Terang Mortlake on July 13.

Star midfielder Billie Smedts (leg), utility Mitch Bowmen (family) and Matt Wines, who became a father this week, are a chance to return next week to face Cobden.

Dowie praised the efforts of Sam McLachlan, who collected the best on ground honour, Jarryd Lewis, Luke Wines and Sam James in the victory.

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