Tara Murray
Romsey went back to basics and it paid off in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday against Macedon.
While the Redbacks were still getting the wins on the board, coach Justin Sherman knew they had another level to give.
On Saturday, the group responded against the Cats, winning 10.13 (73)-8.5 (53).
Sherman was thrilled with the performance.
“I think the most pleasing part was the week before we were challenged by Woodend and they outplayed us on the day and we were able to get back to playing our winning,” he said.
“Winning the contest and sticking to the structures.
“We were able to play football in our half and get those basics right and get some score out of it.
“It was the best team performance across four quarters in about a month.”
Sherman said they had worked during the week on some things that would get them back to the way they wanted to play.
He said getting that connection right was the biggest thing.
“We put in some specialised line coaching,” he said. “We wanted to make sure we got the connection right.
“We worked on some craft drills with the coaches to get that connection right.”
The Redbacks dominated early in the contest but weren’t able to make the most of it, scoring 3.5 in the first quarter.
They were able to keep the Cats at bay in the second quarter, before the Cats threw everything at them after they left the door open with not converting.
“Macedon put us under pressure in the third,” Sherman said. “They kicked a few quick goals and we needed to get back to D1 pressure and get in the ball carrier’s face.”
Sherman said the group responded to the message at three quarter time and were able to run away with it.
Skipper Nathan Blair continued his good form and put out a best on ground performance. Sherman said Chris Petroro in the midfield was also good with a number of players who could have been considered the votes.
Zach Smedley was named the Cats best.
The win moves the Redbacks to 5-1, one of three teams with that record.
Sherman said being able to keep the squad fit and healthy was the key to the good start.
There is a competition wide bye this weekend due to the King’s Birthday.
Sherman said it came at a good time.
In other results, Diggers Rest did enough against Kyneton, Wallan beat Lancefield and Woodend-Hesket banked a win against Melton Centrals.
