Tara Murray
Rupertswood has gotten an early reality check in Essendon District Football League division 1.
After a strong season last year, the Sharks are among the sides expected to be in the finals mix,
It’s been an up and down start for the Sharks, who sit 2-2 after the first four rounds.
On Saturday, the Sharks dropped one they were expected to win against Keilor Park.
Headed to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve for the first time, the Sharks looked to have the game in control at half time.
But whatever was said to the Devils at half time worked, with eight goals to two in the second half to get the 11.9 (75)-10.5 (65).
Sharks coach Arron Bray said it was a pretty disappointing result for the group.
“It was a story of two halves,” he said “We controlled the first half and then didn’t come out switched on after half time.
“We had the game in control and were 29-30 points up. They made a couple of changes which threw us off.
“We struggled to adjust and they were ferocious and they hunted us and the rest of history.”
Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Cam McRorie and Brent Swallow kicked two apiece.
Bray said Swallow and Aaron West were their two standouts, but it tapered off after that.
Bray said the loss was a bit of a reality check for the side.
“We would rather it happen now,” he said.
“We always seem to struggle against the sides we’re expected to beat. I think it’s a mental thing rather than a physical thing.
“After four rounds we are 2-2 and still in the hunt, but we let one slip.”
Bray said ideally they would have liked to have been 3-1 at this stage of the season, but the ladder doesn’t lie.
The Sharks sit eighth spot, one of five teams with a 2-2 record.
One of those sides is Craigieburn, who the Sharks face this week at home.
“It’s pretty much an eight point game,” Bray said. “We have to pick ourselves up and then we have Deer Park the following week.”
Meanwhile in division 2, the Sunbury Kangaroos and East Sunbury remain winless after four rounds.
The Kangaroos were again in the contest until late but weren’t able to come away with the win against the Northern Saints.
The Saints kicked three goals to one in the final quarter to seal a 14.13 (97)-11.8 (74) win.
Brody Watts kicked four goals for the Kangaroos, with Jackson Treweek named their best.
The Thunder fell short against Hadfield.
The Hawks led all day in the 11.5 (71)-3.9 (27) win.
Bradley Kite was the Thunder’s best.
Both teams have byes this week as part of the second weekend of the split round.
