Scrappy affair … Spotswood’s Ben Pope is set upon by three Sunshine opponents. 64504
By Michael Esposito
SPOTSWOOD continued on its merry way against the hapless Sunshine, while Albion showed St Albans what it took to be a legitimate flag contender in round five of the WRFL on Saturday.
In sloppy conditions Spotswood did what was required to get over the Kangaroos, who are languishing at eighth on the ladder with just one win.
In what is becoming a trend for Spotswood this season, the Woodsmen kicked inaccurately but still won 7.16 (58) to 6.3 (39).
But Spotswood could be somewhat forgiven for its high behind count given the soft, heavy ground and slippery conditions.
Sunshine is bound to face further criticism for its underwhelming start to the season, but Spotswood coach Chris O’Keefe said it would be foolish to dismiss the Kangaroos, who on Saturday were again without star recruits Danny Jacobs and Simon Wiggins.
“They’ve had a terrible run with injuries so far. They definitely have the ability to be a major contender so I definitely wouldn’t be writing them off just at the moment,” he said.
“I’m sure once they’re able to get all their players on the track … they’ll definitely be a very dangerous team.”
Sunshine made use of the breeze to open up a 13-point lead at quarter time before Spotswood took control of the second quarter, but could only manage a three-point lead to half time due to wayward kicking.
“We were inaccurate again but it was one of those days where guys who can usually kick the ball 50 metres were only kicking it 30,” O’Keefe said.
“Even at three-quarter time when we were three points down I was very confident that we’d win, because the majority of the score was down one end all day.
“Old-school wet-style football is what we had to play and that’s what we did.”
Albion is knocking on Spotswood’s door at the top of the table after giving St Albans a 49-point touch-up.
The Cats, fielding their strongest line-up yet, welcomed experienced backman John Haldane in for the first time this season and he had an immediate impact. Dynamic midfielder Marcus Smith produced his second best-on-ground performance in as many weeks. Shaydon Bloomfield and Romain Grenville kicked three goals apiece.
The Saints, who went goalless in two quarters, still have some work to do to be serious contenders this year.
Other results went as expected. Hoppers Crossing recorded a whopping 191-point victory over suburban rivals Glen Orden, while Port Melbourne defeated Sunshine Heights by 106 points.
Altona beat North Footscray by 56 points but had to work hard for the win. The Devils went with the Vikings for a half, but Altona kicked 10 goals to three in the second half to win and stay in the top five.
