Sunbury Kangaroos have produced their best four-quarter performance of the Riddell District Football League season to knock off Woodend-Hesket.
Looking to keep their season alive, the Kangaroos found the sort of consistency they’ve been lacking at times.
They led at every break in the low-scoring match and held strong when the Hawks came at them.
The Hawks got to within a goal early in the last quarter, but the Kangaroos went to another level to notch up an 8.7 (55)-5.9 (39) victory.
Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin said he was pleased with how the game panned out and how players were learning from the mistakes of previous games.
“It was a pretty solid four quarters against some solid opposition,” he said. “We went in thinking we were a chance, but form suggested otherwise.
“We were able to find extra when we were challenged three or four times by the Hawks.
“We took control of the situation and fended them off and were able to control the game and tempo.”
Leydin said the Kangaroos had good contributions from all involved.
He said Mitch Streiff, who played in the midfield, was the side’s best, abetted by other leaders such as John Corso, Jacob Opie, Matt Walsh and Matthew Leonard.
“We need them to have good games,” he said. “The lesser lights had cameos … all we can ask for is a good four-quarter effort. It’s a good step forward.”
Josh Burgess kicked three goals for the Kangaroos.
Alistair Rae kicked three for the Hawks and was named their best.
The win moves the Kangaroos to eighth with three wins. This week they will face seventh-placed Romsey.
Leydin said the game would have a huge bearing on their season.
“They’ve played one less game than us,” he said. “This can keep our season alive.”
Diggers Rest upset Wallan 13.18 (96)-11.8 (74), handing the Magpies their first loss of the season.
Riddell easily beat Lancefield 22.20 (152)-1.1 (7) and Romsey defeated Rockbank 21.24 (150)-2.2 (14).
Rupertswood returned to the top of the ladder with a 32.20 (212)-1.2 (8) win against Broadford, Todd Podolczak kicking nine goals.
