THE Hamilton Kangaroos sit just percentage outside the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) top five at the halfway point of the season after they defeated Port Fairy by 75 points at Gardens Oval on Saturday.

It was a strong first half from the home side, keeping in touch with the Kangaroos with a five-goal second term helping the Seagulls go into half time trailing by just 21 points.

A surge from the home team saw the side get to within two goals, but the Kangaroos found their best football later in the game, as they moved the ball quicker and the Seagulls were unable to keep up.

A 47-point lead at the final change grew to a 22.11 (143) to 10.8 (68) victory.

Kangaroos coach, Hamish Waldron said it was another good performance, which saw the blue and white draw level with fifth-placed Warrnambool on points after nine rounds.

“They challenged us at times and got within 12 points just after half time, then we proceeded to push it out to 75, so it was good to see the boys responded when the Seagulls did challenge us,” he said.

“We started well, there was a bit of a breeze blowing and we controlled the second quarter, but every time they went forward, they scored.

“We were hanging back, every mark we took outside 50, we took too much time and they flooded back.

“It was probably the difference in the game in the end, the way we moved the footy a lot quicker after half time.”

Darcy Russell had his best game of the year, kicking 10 goals for the Kangaroos.

The tall forward has threatened to blow a game open at times, but it was Saturday which saw the left-footer take his chances in front of goal.

“He has been putting a lot of hard work into his kicking, he gets down and he gets frustrated when he misses,” Waldron said.

“To see it finally payoff is really good.”

With the Seagulls going into the second half of the season winless, Waldron saw enough to think the purple and gold are closing in on a victory.

“They will get a win, Winis is a good coach and he is driving them in the right direction,” he said.

“You hardly ever see a team go through a season without winning a game, so they will pinch one at some point.”

The Kangaroos are ahead of the ledger after nine rounds and finals are still on the radar.

“It shows everything I am putting in place is working,” he said.

“To be 5-4 at the halfway mark, it is very pleasing.

“I am still pushing for finals for sure, hopefully we can get there for the first time ever.”