By Tara Murray
The Sunbury Kangaroos opened their account for this season, beating crosstown rivals the Sunbury Lions in the Essendon District Football League Women’s Premier division.
It was a story of two halves, with the Kangaroos dominating the first half before a more dour second half.
The Kangaroos did all the damage early on, winning 14.7 (91) to 0.2 (2).
Kangaroos coach Bevan Green said it was good to get their first win on the board.
“Wins are always good and you have to celebrate them,” he said.
“It’s nice to get the first win.
“It was a tale of two halves. We came out really strong in the first half, I think we put on 70-odd points in the first half, but a big ground and hot day, I think took its toll a bit.”
Green said improved fitness would come as the side played more games.
“We focused more on skills in the off season,” he said.
“Our fitness isn’t where it could be, but that will come. The girls will get game fit. It’s only round two.”
Green said the side showed some really good signs in the first half, making the most of playing at Clarke Oval and using the big oval to their advantage.
He said it would take some time for everyone to gel, with a number of new players in the team.
“Some of these girls played at Sunbury Lions for years and others at Melton Centrals.
“It’s going to take time to gel and learn where everyone runs.
“We’ve got a lot of young girls.”
Regina Said kicked four goals up forward, while Bailee Said and Danni Green kicked three goals each.
The coach said Tara McKean was the standout in the ruck, while he praised the efforts of Bailee Said, who is playing through a leg injury.
He said Regina Said, Tylah Bell and Rebecca Dekazos were the other standouts.
The best for the Lions were Jacinta Taylor and Renee McMahon.
Green said it would take some time for the side to find out where it sits in the competition.
“It’s going to take until the middle of the year to know where everyone sits.
“Keilor got done comfortably on Friday night, but pushed us and we lost by seven points the week before.
“Once we play everyone we’ll have a better idea.”
Green, in his first season as coach, said while the challenge was different than he expected, it was a “good different”.
Both the Kangaroos and Lions have this week off due to Easter.
The Kangaroos’ next game is on April 26 against Hillside under lights, while the Lions face Strathmore.
Jamiee Lee-Wilson is expected to become the first Lions women’s player to play 200 matches in that game.
MORE EDFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/tullmarine-joy-over-first-win/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburn-starts-with-a-bang/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-kangaroos-claim-local-cup/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-park-rebounds-record-big-win/
