The Sunbury Kangaroos got some reward for effort with an upset win against Macedon in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
Having had a tough and disappointing season, the Kangaroos showed that they can match it with the better sides when they play well.
In a low scoring game, the Kangaroos hung on when the Cats rallied late, winning 6.6 (42)-5.9 (39).
Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin said the win was the result of sheer grit and determination and a willingness to get to every contest.
He said they did a lot right in the win – the first time they have won a close game.
“There was a lot of water on the ground and it was a bit slippery and heavy,” he said.
“It was a high defensive game and hard to score, which suited our style.
“We got out to a 15-point lead at one stage, before they kicked a couple of goals. We were able to hold on.
“We were able to convert a few chances up forward, which we had squandered a few in other games.”
With finals already out of the equation, Leydin said they had been searching for motivation for the past few rounds, and it was the players themselves who found it.
The Kangaroos had lost their past four games.
“It’s been a pretty disappointing year for a number of reasons, but we’ve built resilience which will help next year.”
Dwayne Tate was the only multiple goalscorer for the Kangaroos, kicking two goals.
Leydin said it was a good team effort with everyone contributing at times. He said the standouts were Matthew Wallace, Daniel Gregory, Braiden Wilson, John Corso and Christian Monaco.
The win, the Kangaroos best of the season, has them sitting ninth, with five wins.
The Kangaroos finish their season with a clash against Rockbank. On paper, it looks like an easy win for the Kangaroos but Leydin said they can’t take that game for granted.
For Macedon, it’s their third loss in four rounds. They look likely to finish the regular season in fifth.
Meanwhile, the fight for the sixth and last finals position will go down to the final round.
With Woodend-Hesket defeating Rockbank, 26.19 (175)-3.10 (28) and Romsey losing to Riddell, 9.14 (68)-7.8 (50), it means Woodend-Hesket will enter the final round sitting in sixth, percentage above Romsey.
The Hawks this week face Riddell, while the Redbacks face Broadford. The Hawks will need to upset the Bombers, who haven’t lost since round three if they are to make finals.
In other results, Rupertswood, Wallan and Diggers Rest all had big wins. The Sharks win sealed a top two finish for the side.
