TERANG Mortlake coach Ben Kenna is hopeful his youthful outfit can finish off season 2022 in style when it ventures to Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Bloods will meet the Bombers in the final home and away round of the year with aspirations to end the campaign on a strong note.
Currently sitting ninth on the ladder, Kenna has led the Bloods to three wins from the last eight matches after winning just one game in the opening nine rounds.
It comes off the back of an aligned approached to the second half of the year, in which they wanted to ensure they were consistently competitive against their weekly opposition.
“The second half of the season has been really pleasing,” Kenna said.
“At the halfway point we had only won the one game against Port Fairy so we placed a bit of a focus on being more competitive the second time round against everybody.
“To this point we have been (more competitive) so hopefully we can complete that and finish off against Cobden on Saturday.
“The boys will be determined to finish the season off strong like they have the last four or five games.”
Kenna, who is undecided on coaching in season 2023, believes the Bloods have built a strong nucleus over the past two seasons, but knows more depth is required if they are to rise up the ladder in future campaigns.
The likes of Ryleigh Hutchins, Harvey Roberts, Ned Roberts, Xavier Vickers, Hugh Porter and others have been exposed to regular senior football this season and will only be better for the experience but more help is needed to support the club’s up-and-comers.
“We’re not far away, maybe just a couple of key players, like a couple of taller player across half forward and a midfielder or two (short),” Kenna said.
“It’s probably just that depth I suppose, if we have players out we can’t cover that as well as your South’s, North’s and Koroit’s and sides like that can.
“There’s talent there but we probably just don’t quite bat deep enough at the moment.”
In the other matches, South Warrnambool welcomes Portland in the Hampden League Live Match of the Day, with both sides set to play finals the following weekend.
Camperdown will bring its season to a close at home against North Warrnambool, with the Eagles looking to refine its game ahead of the qualifying final.
Warrnambool will also finetune any last minute changes against Koroit at the Reid Oval, with the Saints set for a week off after snaring the minor premiership.
In the final game, the Hamilton Kangaroos will take on Port Fairy at Melville Oval.
