A logjam is developing at the top of the Riddell District Football League ladder and Rupertswood is right in the middle of it.
The Sharks, second on the ladder, are one of four teams equal on points and separated only by percentage.
The four face each other this weekend.
Sharks coach Ben Jordan said he wasn’t concerned just yet about where his side would finish on the ladder.
“We know we have tough games to come,” he said. “We don’t look too closely to where we’ll finish until the last three or four weeks of the season. We’re trying to focus on each task as we come to it.
“We have Sunbury Kangaroos up there this week and it doesn’t get bigger than that.”
On Saturday, the Sharks were made to work hard against Macedon, which also is looking to shore up a finals spot. The Sharks won 9.11 (65) – 8.10 (58) at Rupertswood Oval.
The first half was even, with the Sharks making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
It was the third quarter which turned the game in the Sharks’ favour.
“We had a lot of the ball in the third quarter,” Jordan said.
“We were a bit wasteful up forward and started bombing away. We thought we could have been further up.”
The Cats came back at them in the last quarter.
“I wouldn’t say we ran out of legs, I’d say we made some poor decisions in the last quarter,” Jordan said. “They were always going to throw everything at is. We let it out of our half easily and they kick a goal.
“We give away a 50-metre penalty and they get a goal. They’re such a dangerous side.
“We worked really hard to get a decent lead and that’s what won us the game.”
Cats coach Jeff Andrews said he was disappointed with the first three quarters.
“I thought we didn’t play well until the game was nearly over,” he said. “It showed good character to get back into the game.
“We need to win one of these games against a top side to get some belief and confidence. No one has beaten us easily.”
He said injuries had taken its toll as well.
“Three weeks ago eight players missed out on playing in reserves,” he said.
“This week we had to ring around to get players.”
In other weekend results, Riddell continued its good form with a win over Sunbury Kangaroos, Romsey overcame Lancefield, Woodend-Hesket beat Kilmore, Diggers Rest beat Rockbank and Broadford defeated Melton Centrals.
