Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos might have four wins on the trot, but they aren’t getting ahead of themselves in Essendon District Football League division 2.
After losing their first five games of the season, the Kangaroos have now won their last four to get their season back on track.
The latest came on Saturday, beating Coburg Districts, 13.9 (87)-7.12 (54).
Kangaroos coach Shanon Carroll said they had continued to stick with their plan throughout the season.
“We haven’t done anything different,” he said. “Had we got a win at the start of the season we could have been 7-2.
“We haven’t changed a hell of a lot, we’re gelling some more and the buy-in to what we are doing is really strong.
“The belief has started to grow and we’re trying to keep it fun.”
Carroll said they were seeing the growth within the group and had been helped by having a stable team in recent weeks.
On Saturday, the Kangaroos faced tough conditions at Boardman Reserve.
The Kangaroos got an early lead and were able to extend it through the next two quarters to lead by 49 points at the last break.
The Lions kicked five goals to two in the final quarter, but the damage was already done.
Carroll said it wasn’t a four quarter performance, but a good win considering the conditions.
“The last quarter was a bit wayward,” he said. ”The conditions were pretty hard after a downpour early in the game.
“It was tough conditions on the legs.
“We showed the boys the radar just before the game and reinforced that you won’t be able to play dry weather football.
“Kick off the ground where needed and to the basics well.”
Rhys Magin kicked four goals for the Kangaroos, while Brody Watts kicked three.
Young centre half back Blake Tirchett was named best on ground for a second straight week.
Carroll said that was the best game that he had seen Tirchett play as he continues to grow as a player and as a person.
“He has come of age,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of work into him.
“His confidence is growing on and off the park.”
Carroll said conversations with people around the club they were really excited to see the young group of players that are coming through.
The Kangaroos now sit in fifth spot, only a game outside the top four.
Carroll said they are under no illusions where they are at.
“It doesn’t take away from the fact that the teams that we have beaten have been lacking personnel,” he said.
“Coburg Districts were missing their spine, Burnside had a couple of players out, Hadfield had five players missing at a wedding.
“We’ve kept an eye on the reason, We’re yet to beat a full side on the park.
“We are happy and growing in confidence but we are realistic in the sides that we have beaten.”
The Kangaroos this Saturday face Oak Park, which Carroll said would be a good test of where they are at.
Meanwhile, East Sunbury lost to Oak Park, 14.11 (95)-8.10 (58).
In division 1, Rupertswood lost to West Coburg, 14.25 (109)-9.7 (61).
