EDFL 2019: Sunbury Kangaroos advance to Division 2 decider

The competition’s best side was tested in Saturday’s major semi-final, but Sunbury Kangaroos again produced a powerful second half to progress to the grand final.

Josh Burgess (right) celebrates a goal for Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Another week, another powerful second-half display from Sunbury Kangaroos.

The minor premiers are one win away from becoming the premiers after toppling Moonee Valley by 32 points in Saturday’s EDFL Division 2 major semi-final at Glenroy’s Sewell Reserve.

The Fog pushed the undefeated Kangaroos, leading by four points at the main break and trailing by just nine points early in time on of the third term.

But, as good teams do, the Kangaroos found another gear and booted the last three goals of the third quarter before completing a 17.7 (109) to 11.11 (77) victory.

Jake Young on the burst for Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Mark Dadswell

They will meet the winner of Saturday’s preliminary final between Moonee Valley and Burnside Heights in the decider at Windy Hill on September 7.

“I think (Moonee Valley) had their periods where they probably looked the better team,” Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin said.

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“For us, we take a lot of satisfaction from the fact that we didn’t play great, were really challenged, and some players came back from poor halves.

“That’s all you can ask for, that guys accept the fact that what they’ve put out there hasn’t been to the standard and find a way to bridge that gap, which most did.”

Michael Kilty leads the race for the footy. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Matt Quigley’s drive from defence proved decisive for the winning side.

Matt Welsh, Mitchell Streiff, Brenton Sutherland and David House were also influential, while Jared Pretty bagged four majors.

Several sides have challenged the Kangaroos for an hour this season, but doing it for two hours has proven too great a task.

Jeremy Murphy in action for Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“Experienced players know how to turn things around,” Leydin said when asked what was behind his side’s ability to dismantle opposition teams after half-time.

“Younger players can possibly lose their heads a bit, get a bit overawed, lose their confidence and stop working.

“Experienced players know there’s only one way back, and that’s through work rate.”

Leydin said the week’s rest would benefit the Kangaroos, with the likes of Michael Spooner and Adam Prescott set to come under consideration for grand final selection.

“Given the intensity, I think the week off is certainly going to help some of our guys,” he said.

“It was a pretty physical affair. I’m pretty sure both teams will have a few sore boys.”

Burnside Heights knocked off Coburg Districts by 40 points, 16.7 (103) to 8.15 (63), in the elimination final.

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