WHEN East Point playing coach Dan Jordan emphasised that Saturday’s game against Melton was a must-win one if the Red Lion Kangaroos were to see finals action in season 2012, he clearly laid out the challenge to his players.
The Kangaroos responded in the best way possible, with a 18.21 (129) to 9.12 (68) victory over Melton at Eastern Oval, to get themselves back on the path to September action.
There were two major positives for the Kangaroos that came out of yesterday’s victory.
The first was that it was a four-quarter performance.
The other was the spread of goalkickers.
It would be difficult to remember when they had 18 goals with playing coach Dan Jordan only contributing one.
“We asked for a four-quarter effort.
“We have lacked that over the last couple of games but today was really good.
“Everyone contributed,” Jordan said.
It wasn’t until the second and third quarters that East Point put the foot down.
The Kangaroos kicked 11 goals to three in that space of time after leading by a single point at quarter time.
Melton was competitive in the first quarter and at times opened East Point up with quick movement of the ball.
At times it looked as though the Roos would have to work overtime if they wanted to record their first victory of the year.
With Jordan being kept in check the onus was on the midfielders and small forwards to step up.
Daniel Tung kicked three, Matt Bilton chimed in with two while Brad Whittaker presented a solid target up forward all day.
East Point will now take a considerable amount of confidence into next Saturday’s massive clash against North Ballarat City at Eureka Stadium.
“We only need a couple of wins for some of these kids to get some confidence,” Jordan said.
Hayden Walters, Daniel Tung and Joel Van Meel were outstanding for East Point, while Corey Patmore and Aiden Butler were Melton’s best on an otherwise bleak day for the Metricon Bloods.
East Point 18.21 (129)
Melton 9.12 (68)
