East Point has rebounded from a one-point opening term to give the competition a gentle reminder of its class, ending its opponent's unbeaten start to the season in the process.
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The Roos battled into a strong wind early, though reaped the benefits of a sustained four-quarter charge to run over the top of Melton, 13.15 (93) to 7.10 (52).
The Bloods earned themselves plenty of suitors, a chorus of applause from home and away fans leading players off the field after they united for a spirited display only a week after they watched a much-loved teammate leave the field in an ambulance after breaking his neck.
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A sombre preparation would ultimately take its toll late, with the Roos booting seven majors in the final term to snap the Bloods' unbeaten streak.
East Point coach Jake Bridges was pleased with his side's performance.
"It was a good game; they're a very good opposition," he said post-game.
"We looked at some things during the week and got a few blokes back. It was good to come down here and get the chocolates, but obviously, we've still got a fair bit to work on."
Melton started with the wind at its back and dominated field position without ever truly making a big dent on the scoreboard.
A Lachlan Hickey (two goals) major gifted the hosts the lead, though it was the work of the Bloods' back six that gave their side a 1.4 (10) to 0.1 (1) lead at the first break.
As the wind picked up in the second term, so did the Roos' attacking threats.
The Roos' forward line all chipped in as the visitors kicked five unanswered goals to take a strong lead.
Just before the siren, Bloods skipper Braeden Kight had a golden chance to kick the first goal into the wind of the half, only for his shot from straight in front to skew of the side of his boot.
The Roos identified Kight, with 11 goals to his name this season, as a threat heading into the game.
Their response was to swing Harry Ganley, an outside mid by trade, down back to play on the dynamic forward.
"Harry is one of the blokes who could probably play anywhere," Bridges said.
"But, you put time into good players, and Braeden has traditionally been a good player.
"We had a fair few match-ups today, and (Harry) did really well."
Melton recruit Kevin Klix stamped his authority early in the third term, finishing a set shot from the pocket beautifully to kick-start a three-goal fight-back that cut the deficit to seven points.
However, it would turn out to be one of the small forward's past involvements.
Klix limped off the field midway through the third quarter with a groin complaint and took no further part in the game.
Cameron Lovig was back in the Roos' line-up, having completed a 12-day concussion stand-down and more than made up for lost time.
The star Roo hammered a set-shot from the edge of the 50marc to kick the game's first goal at the northern end and hand his side an eight-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Despite carrying momentum, Bridges was wary of a quality opponent.
"Their transition running has always been good, so we knew we had to keep the pressure on," he said.
The Roos piled the pressure on, and a lot more.
Matthew Johnston (two goals) led from the front in the engine room, while Lucas Dahlenburg (three goals), Brad Whittaker (two goals) and Joseph Dodd (two goals) ticked the scoreboard along.
"Every side wants to continue to be competitive, so I think the boys will take a fair bit out of that," Bridges said.
The Roos are back home next weekend against North Ballarat, who moved to the top of the table with a 46-point win away to Sunbury.
Elsewhere, Ballarat beat Darley, 15.14 (104) to 11.6 (72), and Sebastopol triumphed over Lake Wendouree by 72 points.
In the round's other game, Bacchus Marsh returned from Redan, 10.13 (73) to 1.12 (18) winners.
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