Tara Murray
Macedon knows it has work to do to close the gap with the top sides in the Riddell District Football League.
The Cats were winless after the first three rounds, having faced the top three sides from last season. They opened their account on Saturday night under lights against Lancefield.
Cats coach Al Meldrum said it had been a tough start for the side.
“We knew it would be pretty challenging,” he said. “We played the top three from last year.
“In patches we were competitive. For a half against Riddell and three quarters against Diggers Rest.
“On the weekend we had a bright start and then really struggled to create avenues to score.
“We knew we were a little short of the top three last year, but we’re still not quite there.”
Meldrum said the difference had been a bit of personal shortage and execution.
He said a couple of big outs in the forward line were hurting them.
“We’re missing Jason Cook and Jack Kernan up forward,” he said.
“It’s a struggle offensively without them. There’s the flow on affect, it’s not just their talent and ability to hit the scoreboard.
“The other players in the forward line are now getting the number one or two defender.
“We’ll be without Jason for quite a while, with Jack, we’ll hopefully know in the next couple of weeks how bad his arm injury is.”
While disappointed not to have those guys out there, Meldrum said it’s an opportunity for some more younger guys to get opportunities and experience.
The Cats also have a number of new guys at the club this season. Meldrum said they were starting to gel together.
“It’s the most guys that we have brought in at the same time during my time,” he said.
“They’re all good guys and role players, it will take a bit of time to gel. You can do a lot of reps at training, but the biggest growth is in the game.
“They guys are really positive and have been a big tick for us off field with their training standards and attendance which has been really pleasing.
“They’ve brought a lot to the table, we’re only going to get better.
The Cats faced Lancefield on Saturday night.
Meldrum said before the match they were expecting a tough match against an improved Tigers line up which got their first win of the season in round four.
After trailing at quarter time, the Cats were able to steadily build a lead throughout on the way to a 9.14 (68)-6.3 (39) win.
Hamish Govan kicked three goals for the Cats in a best on ground performance.
Lukas Fellows was named the Tigers best.
In other results, Romsey beat the Western Rams, Woodend-Hesket got the points over Melton Centrals and Diggers Rest won the grand final rematch.
