THE Hamilton Kangaroos faced its toughest test yet this season, facing reigning premier, South Warrnambool, at Hawkesdale and lost by 61 points on Saturday.

The Kangaroos went into the game using it as a learning experience, with the home side going into quarter time with a one-point lead.

The Roosters then piled on five second-quarter goals to go into the main break leading by 31 points.

The second half saw the Kangaroos score just two goals, going down 6.4 (40) to 15.11 (101).

Darcy Russell was once again the focal point up forward, bagging four majors, while Vincent Huf and Taine Morris were also instrumental across the ground.

Kangaroos coach, Brad Thomas said he was happy with the effort and endeavour from the side, despite losing a couple of players to injury during the round three clash.

“We just wanted to see how our systems competed to theirs,” he said.

“It was pleasing to see the effort from the players was really strong.

“A couple of stoppages they got on top, I felt like we were pretty good through there though, just a couple of little one percenters.

“We walked away knowing we learnt a lot from the game.”

Hamish Cook hyperextended his elbow in the second term, while Jake Donehue had tightness, with both unable to finish the game.

The side will now shift their focus to Portland, with the annual Anzac Day clash at Hanlon Park tomorrow afternoon.

Reserves

IT was a tough outing for the Kangaroos reserves, losing by 113 points to South Warrnambool.

The home side managed just one goal in the opening term and was held goalless for the rest of the game, as the Roosters went on to win, 17.20 (122) to 1.3 (9).

Jordy Anthony was the lone goalkicker, while Harry Turnham and Kane Taylor were standouts for the blue and white.

Under-18.5

THE day started off positively, with Hamilton collecting a 51-point victory against South Warrnambool.

The win was set up by a six goals to one first half, eventually recording a 11.8 (74) to 3.5 (23) victory.

Eddie McShane kicked four goals for the Roos, while Charlie Field slotted three majors.