Close at the top

WITH five rounds of the Hampden League season now complete, only percentage separates the second-placed North Warrnambool Eagles from ladder leaders, Terang Mortlake.

The Bloods have gotten off to an unblemished start to the 2026 senior footy season and remain undefeated, as are the Eagles who are continuing their strong form from last year.

The Koroit Saints now sit a game behind in third, and only one game clear of South Warrnambool in fourth, with the Hamilton Kangaroos rounding out the top five.

In round five matches last weekend, the Saints won by the largest margin, defeating Camperdown at Leura Oval by a creditable 76 points.

Sam Dobson bagged six majors for the victors while Blair McCutcheon bagged four, team-mate Connor Byrne added three to the scoreboard and Moss McInerney, Curran O’Donnell and Jag McInerney contributed two goals apiece.

Best for the Saints in an all-round team effort were McCutcheon, McInerney, Clem Nagorcka, Connor Byrne, Des O’Keefe and Thomas Baulch.

In the Open netball competition, South Warrnambool continue its dominance in the Hampden League, holding top spot with an unblemished season to date.

Koroit currently sits second and a game behind the Roosters, with Port Fairy, Warrnambool and the ever-improving Terang Mortlake rounding out the top five.

Round six this weekend will see Warrnambool take on Cobden at Reid Oval, Koroit will host Portland, South will travel to Camperdown, North and Port Fairy will clash at Bushfield while Hamilton will host the Bloods.