The interleague bye comes at a perfect time for Sunbury Kangaroos in the Riddell District Football League.
With just one win after five rounds, the Kangaroos are towards the bottom of the ladder.
While having been in every match for large periods of the game, they haven’t been able to find the goals to get over the line.
On Saturday against Melton Centrals, the Kangaroos had their worst game of the season.
The Kangaroos had their chances, especially late, but fell short, losing 6.10 (46)-5.7 (37).
Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin said Centrals wanted the ball more when it mattered.
“It was a pretty tight game all day and they handled the conditions better,” he said.
“We had 11 of the first 12 inside 50s in the last quarter and it resulted in just one goal.
“They went forward and kicked a goal with their second inside 50. It was the little things that made the difference.”
Leydin said it was tough to find players who had good games, with only “five or six players” who were above average.
“We don’t have the luxury for that.”
He named Dwayne Tate, Zane Williams, and Jamie and Tierone Cuffe among their best.
Jamie Cuffe, who retired at the end of last season but has been lured back, handled most of the ruckwork in his second straight game in the seniors.
Leydin said Jamie’s the heartbeat of the club and there was no holding him back as he tries to help the club out.
The result leaves the Kangaroos 1-4 heading into interleague.
The Kangaroos could quite easily be ahead of the ledger. Leydin said when they play their best football they can be at least competitive with the top sides.
“We lost yesterday and a close loss to Wallan, it puts us behind the eight ball,” he said.
“We’ve been in every game and been in a position to go on with it, but we just haven’t been able to.”
The coach said they would reflect this week on where they are and look where they want to be going ahead.
The Kangaroos have already played 33 players, one less than they played for all of last season. On Saturday, 17 players were missing across the senior and reserves teams.
Leydin said that was a mixture of injuries, availability and enthusiasm to play.
“We have a good read on the list,” he said.
“The 19s have battled for numbers as well. It’s been a balancing act, about playing them in the seniors or compromising the thirds team.”
The Kangaroos face Lancefield after the bye and Leydin predicted there would be a few changes to the side.
In other results, Diggers Rest won a thriller against Macedon, winning 7.7 (49)-5.11 (41) and Rupertswood was too good for Woodend-Hesket, winning 10.10 (70)-4.10 (34).
Riddell smashed Broadford, 29.23 (197)-0.2(2) and Wallan embarrassed Rockbank with the Magpies winning 30.22 (202)-2.3 (15).
Romsey defeated Lancefield in the other game, 19.18 (132)-0.2 (2).
