By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos aren’t getting carried away, despite a 96-point win against second-placed Burnside Heights at the weekend.
The battle between the top two teams in Essendon District Football League division 2, looked anything but.
Kangaroos’ coach Anthony Leydin said it wasn’t the prettiest game of football, but they got the job done.
“It was an arm-wrestle in the first half,” he said. “It was pretty similar to last time we played them, but in different conditions.
“There was some signs midway through the second quarter that it would turn out that way again.
“We put our heads down. It wasn’t pretty footy by both teams, but we did what we had to do.”
The Bears took a 10-point lead into the first break but the Kangaroos slowly lifted and had the game on their terms by the end of the first half.
The second half was all the Kangaroos, they kicked 14 goals to two, to win 23.19 (157)-9.7 (61).
Leydin said the Bears struggled late in the game, with injuries leaving them without a bench for most of the second half. They were also without full forward Josh Covelli.
The Kangaroos were missing forwards Josh Burgess, Brad Slater and Mick Kilty.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunbury Kangaroos vs Burnside Heights
Lachlan Baddeley was 50-50 all week, making the decision on Friday night to play.
It paid off, he kicked five goals for the match.
“It was a fantastic effort,” Leydin said.
“He and Michael Spooner [four goals] held up the forward line for most of the day.”
Leydin said those who had stepped up and filled the roles in the forward line had done a good job.
He said there would be some selection dilemmas when those other players return.
Leydin said it was a toss-up for best on ground between big man Brenton Sutherland and midfielder Tie Cuffe.
Both have been among the Kangaroos best players this season.
“Tie was in everything,” he said.
“He set it alight and provided that run and carry. He gave a bit around the packs.
“Bogut [Sutherland] was one out in the ruck all day.”
The win does nothing for the Kangaroos finishing position, with the undefeated side having secured top spot two weeks ago.
Leydin said the focus now was on making sure they were playing the right brand of football heading into finals.
“Good winning form is hard to capture,” he said.
“We’ll see how we go this week before deciding if we rest anyone in the final round.
“We want the team up and running and peaking for finals.”
The Kangaroos this week face third-placed Coburg Districts.
The Lions are on a five game winning streak, with their last loss coming against the Kangaroos.
Meanwhile, East Sunbury had the bye.
