Kangaroos win on the road

Anthony Bernardo celebrates a goal and practices social distancing at the same time for the Kangaroos. 241243 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Nick Creely

OUTER EAST FOOTBALL

REVIEW- DIVISION 1 (ROUND 9)

It’s not uncommon knowledge that Officer has the ability to cut sides to ribbons when the game is played on its terms.

This is even more prevalent on their Starling Road ground, which the Kangaroos have made a fortress in recent years.

That’s what makes Saturday’s win on the road all the more important for Doug Koop’s group – a gritty eight-point victory against a dangerous Seville side up the hill, 8.3 (51) to 6.7 (43).

They’re the wins that the Kangaroos simply must get if they want to be taken as a serious contender.

There’s no two ways about it.

While wins at home by 186 points against Healesville and 161 against Belgrave just prior to the lockdown showcased a ruthless nature to its game, there’s no doubt Doug Koop would be feeling a sense of satisfaction that his group could get right into the coalface of the contest and grit out a win against a fellow finals fancy.

“(It was) a good team effort in trying conditions and these are the type of games we need to play in more often,” he said.

“Finals are often close affairs and won by the team that can maintain their quality and pressure for longer. That’s what we did on the weekend, this was a great test for some of the games we expect to play later this year.”

Jake Ingaliso drives the ball forward. 241243

The Kangaroos and Blues swapped leads throughout the contest in what was a highly contested slog.

At the final change, the Kangaroos held a narrow two-point lead, and despite the Blues throwing everything at the visitors, Koop’s side held its nerve – particularly defensively – to clinch an important four points.

Good kicking is good football, and the Kangaroos were arrow straight in front of goal, kicking eight from 11 scoring opportunities – one of the key differences on the day.

Ben O’Loughlin was sublime in the conditions to be best afield, and will have a sneaky chance of leading the club’s best and fairest at this stage, while Lachlan Ward and Anthony Bernardo both snagged two goals and had some big moments.

Bernardo in particular continues to thrive at his new club, racking up more of the footy and relishing the contest.

He is arguably the most impressive of the many recruits in the competition this season.

Jacob Brady and Michael Dompietro were also named in the best for the Kangaroos, while Justin Myers, Jack Nolan and Deng Nai battled hard for the Blues.

Koop said he expected the Blues to provide a stern task, particularly in different conditions that many wouldn’t have experienced before.

“They (Seville) play a really good brand of tough footy, they’re coached well and they’re super competitive,” he said.

“They kept coming all day, they’re a good honest footy team but our lads kept rising to the challenge.

“Seville will be in the mix at the pointy end for sure, there’s no doubt about that.”

Matt Chmait looks to avoid a James Cecere tackle. 241243

The Kangaroos have been dealt their share of injuries this season, in particular star on baller Tyler Clark and skipper Matthew Clarke, but Koop said he was pleased to see others stepping up in their absence, and more importantly stepping out of another lockdown with a positive attitude.

“We’re on a journey, this season is no different,” he said.

“The lockdown was just a bump in the road, every season you face hurdles but we kept the lads together, maintained contact and approached this hurdle together.

“One of the exciting things about this group is the blokes that are stepping up. Our depth this year is well and truly above what we’ve had in the past, this is helping drive the standard and helping us improve as a team.”

The 4-2 Roos host Monbulk in a monster clash at home this Saturday.

Mt Evelyn’s attacking dominance continued with a 113-point win against Healesville at Gary Martin Oval, 22.18 (150) to 5.7 (37).

The Rovers increased their lead substantially at every break, but were most dominant in the second term when they slammed on eight goals to one.

There were eight individual goal kickers for Mark Fisher’s second placed side, including seven multiple goal scorers in an ominous sign of their attacking prowess.

Cal Urquhart feasted on the Bloods with five majors, Brendan Lord contributed four in his first game of the season, Daimon Kift was best afield once again as he builds a remarkable campaign.

For the Bloods, ruckman Will Kristelly-Kelety battled hard and could hold his head high.

In the remaining match, it was a business-like win for Emerald against Belgrave at home, 18.17 (125) to 2.6 (18).

It took a while for the Bombers to get its game up and running after the season break, but the Bombers clammed on 14 goals to one after quarter time to bank some valuable percentage.

The game between Gembrook Cockatoo and Monbulk was called off during the first quarter due to an injury to a Hawks player, who was cleared of serious injury. The game is a draw.

Berwick Springs had the bye.

All eyes are firmly fixed on Officer’s home clash against Monbulk in Round 10, in what looms as a classic eight-point clash, Gembrook Cockatoo and Seville’s game at Heatherbrae is also a beauty, while Emerald and Mt Evelyn do battle and Berwick Springs will host its very first home game on Saturday against Belgrave.