Sunbury Kangaroos got their first real indication of how they match up with the top sides on Saturday in the Riddell District Football League.
While they didn’t come away with the points against reigning premiers Diggers Rest, Kangaroos coach Jarrod Dixon was happy with how the side is developing.
The Kangaroos were left to rue poor disposal, especially in the first half.
They trailed all day, but it was by no more than four goals. Most of the last quarter, they were within two goals.
An inability to kick two goals in a row cost the Kangaroos, who lost 9.10 (64)-7.8 (50).
Dixon said there was one real clear difference between the sides which proved costly.
“We were really poor in the first half and were able to come back in the second half playing Diggers who are the best team.
“We butchered the ball. We were terrible with it … At the end of the day it probably hurt us the most.
“They don’t muck around with it. That was probably the difference between the sides.”
Ryan Pretty kicked six goals for the Kangaroos, but was a lone hand up forward.
Dixon said he challenged Pretty last week to back up from the eight goals he kicked against Broadford. He responded with a great individual effort and was named the Kangaroos best.
Kane Murphy and Darragh McGovern were also solid contributors for the Kangaroos.
Dixon said the Kangaroos were still learning the new forward set up with several new players coming into the side.
“There wasn’t any clean entries into the 50. We’ve got to be better and have a better understanding,” he said.
“When you play pretty much last year with no key forwards besides Ryan and now you’ve got three or four it takes a bit of understanding.”
The loss leaves the Kangaroos, 2-1 after three rounds. Dixon said it was a good starting point to build on.
“We’ve got an understanding where we are.
“We’re still learning. Our new component of players are settling in and our old players are adjusting to new players and new roles.
“I think last year we hit it with a bang and were fantastic early and then let it slip. This year we’re building.
“I’m hoping the second half of year is better.”
In other results, Riddell defeated Broadford. The Bombers didn’t have it all their own way with the Kangaroos fighting hard, but eventually fell short losing 19.18 (132)-7.11 (53).
Rupertswood bounced back from a disappointing performance on Anzac Day to record their second 100-plus point win of the season, defeating Rockbank.
Romsey suffered a 45 point loss to Broadford, Lancefield remains win-less and Macedon defeated Woodend-Hesket by 66 points on Sunday.
