The football world has got its first real insight into Macedon and where it sits in the Riddell District Football League this season.
The Cats entered Saturday’s clash with Diggers Rest undefeated but without playing any of the top five sides.
But in their first match against tougher opposition, the Cats showed they won’t be pushovers, despite the 11.9 (75)-10.6 (66) loss to the Burras.
Coach Jeff Andrews said he believed his side could mix it with the top teams.
“We were in front for most of the game,” he said.
“They had to play well to beat us. We had a shot on goal to lead by 14 points in the last quarter and we missed and they took it up the other end of the field and scored.
“It was good to be competitive and the next step is to win games like this.”
Andrews said the off-season recruits had made a big difference.
Jason Cooke, one of the new recruits, was best for the Cats on Saturday.
“It’s a big improvement,” Andrews said. “They’ve brought professionalism and attitude, bonded well on the field and helped make it a more enjoyable place.”
But it isn’t just the new players behind the Cats’ rise.
“Ed Morrissey has played some really good football and he’s only 17, while Seamus Lynch is another who has taken the next step,” Andrews said. “Both could still be playing under-18.5’s.”
Burras coach Shaun Sims said he was pleased to get the win.
“We have a fair few injuries and we brought up four or five from the reserves,” he said.
“We dominated the inside-50s but couldn’t make the most of them. In the first quarter it was 14-4 our way and they kicked three goals and we kicked only one. We controlled the game but didn’t get reward for effort.”
The Burras are fourth on the ladder with five wins from the first seven games.
“We had a tough start and have played the top six sides already,” Andrews said. “I don’t think we’ll really know where all the sides are at until about round 12 when everyone has played each other.”
Romsey has jumped to top of the ladder after thrashing the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Kangaroos went into the game unbeaten but were disappointing as Romsey’s class was on display in the 16.9 (105)- 8.14(62) win.
In other games …
Rupertswood was too good for Riddell, Melton Centrals defeated Kilmore, Woodend-Hesket beat Rockbank for its first win for the season and Broadford defeated Wallan.
