Rupertswood had a surprisingly big win against Romsey in the Riddell District Football League.
With both sides finalists last season it was expected to be a close match, however Rupertswood looked a level above, kicking away to a 25.8 (158)-5.8 (38) win.
Rupertswood coach Nick Ash said the score didn’t reflect the match, with it being a hard-fought contest all day.
It was Romsey’s first game of the season after its round one match was postponed due to a power failure and it appeared the late start didn’t help its cause.
“It was good to get away with the four points,” Ash said.
“We certainly thought it would be closer and it was a hard-fought contest all day.”
The Sharks started well, kicking seven goals in the first quarter to set the tone for the rest of the day.
Ash said it was something the team had worked on.
“It’s been a focus the last fortnight after a slow start against Sunbury,” he said.
“It’s something we worked on across the three sides, and were able to show that in the seniors and 19s.”
Todd Podolczak kicked 10 goals in a best-on-ground performance and half the team got on the scoreboard.
Ash said the forwards were willing to work for each other.
“Todd was really good and he got some really good service.
“Sometimes it’s about sacrificing your game and he did that in round one and got the opportunities this week.
“He got 10 goals, but it was a real team effort to get the space in the forward line.”
The win came despite the side missing several key players.
Ash said the players they had brought in during the off season had added depth to the squad and they had enough players to cover injuries.
He said while they didn’t rest players on Saturday, some guys got a bit more time on the bench than normal.
“We didn’t want to disrespect them … you’ve got to get the players on the ground to play your best footy.”
There isn’t much rest for the Sharks as they face Macedon in their annual Anzac Day match-up on Wednesday.
The match is even bigger this year, as it doubles as a grand final rematch.
“We lost to them four times in close results, but couldn’t get across the line,” Ash said of the Cats.
“We haven’t won an Anzac match either.
“We need to get the boys fresh and fit.”
In other results, Diggers Rest humiliated Broadford by 267 points, Wallan gave Riddell its second straight loss, Macedon easily accounted for Lancefield in another one-sided match, Sunbury Kangaroos thrashed Rockbank and Woodend-Hesket came from behind to defeat Melton Centrals.
