The Standard |VICTORY in its last two games has Cobden back in finals contention.
After 11 rounds the Bombers are just a game adrift of the top five following a 15.10. (100) to 12.9. (81) win over Camperdown.
The Bombers got away to a flying start, leading by 15 points at quarter-time before the Magpies rallied to dominate the latter stages of the second quarter and take an eight-point advantage into half-time.
Cobden had the better of a tight third quarter to lead by five points at the final break before kicking away with six goals to three to seal an impressive win.
Chris Paatsch made a huge impact on his return to the Bombers line-up, kicking five goals and giving his team a strong target deep in attack.
Cobden co-coach Paul Foster praised the efforts of Paatsch and youngster Jack Hutt who he said was influential in the win.
"Jack Hutt went to centre half-forward in the second half and he really straightened us up," Foster said.
"Another young player Jesse Williamson was also really good on a wing, he is a good player and kicked a couple of goals.
"We haven't talked about finals at all, we have had a block of five winnable games we set ourselves for and we have got the points in three of them.
"Of course we would have loved to win all five but we have a young group so there has been some inconsistency there which gives us something to continue to work hard on."
The result made it seven losses in a row for Camperdown who remain competitive but cannot add to the four wins that came in the first month of the season.
The task against the Bombers was made more difficult with star onballer Matthew Pemberton pulling out before the game with an ankle injury.
"It was a big out losing Matty, he has been a great player for us and would probably be leading our best and fairest at this point of the season," Camperdown coach Phil Carse said.
"We are shattered with the result of this game, being in front at half time and then in the last quarter we had more centre clearances and inside 50s but we just couldn't put that on the scoreboard.
"These are the opportunities we need to grab hold of and take advantage of, it is another step in our learning curve."
Nick Bateman and Hugh Gordon kicked three goals for the Magpies while Jack McDonald was named as their best player.
