Burnside Heights were caught in a Thunder-storm, suffering a massive first-up loss to East Sunbury in Essendon District Football League’s division 2.
The Thunder had a 100-point win over the Bears in the final round of last season, and put in the most dominant performance of the club’s short history in its 28.16 (184) – 8.10 (58) win on Saturday evening.
The match was well and truly over by the first break and, if it wasn’t for poor kicking in front of goal, the margin could have been a lot bigger than 66 points at half-time. At that stage, it was 23 to seven scoring shots.
The second half was much the same as the first, with Thunder dominating all aspects of the game. Coach Steve Grey was pleased the players got such a win.
“It’s great to be on top of the ladder,” he said. “This hasn’t just started this year; it started 12 months ago when we started to rebuild.
“It’s a very positive and big step forward. Our under-18s won by 150 points and our twos by 10 goals, so it was a good day all round.”
Despite the massive win, Grey wasn’t 100 per cent happy with his players’ performances. He gave them a roasting at three-quarter time, reminding them top sides wouldn’t let them get away with playing as they did in the third quarter.
“We lairised a bit in the second half,” Grey said after the game. “Our structures fell away – instead of using the ball, there was a bit of players being individuals.
“But they’ve never been in that situation before and never learnt to handle that situation.”
Grey said it was the first time the side had 22 contributors in an even performance.
Recruit Dylan Tarzcon kicked five goals in his first game for the club, while Thomas Galea and Jason King kicked four goals each.
“It’s the first game that all 22 have played a role for the side – Ash Fleming started really well; Tommy Galea up forward, if he converted straight, would have kicked five goals in the first quarter.
“Now we have the likes of Dylan Tarczon, Lucas Shaw and Aaron Aquilina and a few more numbers in the midfield, which makes a big difference.”
The Thunder face a bigger test this week, taking on Jacana, which went down by one point on Saturday.
