EDFL 2019: Sunbury Kangaroos suffer three key injuries in win

They had no bench for most of the second half, but Sunbury Kangaroos kept its undefeated record intact with a big win over East Sunbury.

Mitchell Kook was one of Sunbury Kangaroos’ best on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sunbury Kangaroos were the walking wounded after Saturday’s EDFL Division 2 derby win over East Sunbury.

While Anthony Leydin’s side kept its unbeaten record intact with a 61-point victory, the success was made all the more meritorious by the fact the raging flag favourite played without a bench for most of the second half.

The Kangaroos led by just two goals at halftime before slotting seven unanswered majors after the main break to complete an 11.12 (78) to 2.5 (17) triumph.

“We were really proud of the group,” Leydin said.

“But we’ve got to lick our wounds over the next week because we had a few come out of last week’s game (against Northern Saints) with short-term injuries and it’s looking like we’ll have a few come out of this one as well.”

Sunbury Kangaroos coach Anthony Leydin. Picture: Jamie Morey

Nathan Caldone suffered a suspected broken thumb, while Jackson Baddeley was concussed.

Big man Brenton Sutherland, who has established himself as one of the competition’s leading performers, also failed to finish the game.

“I think he’s split his nose open,” Leydin said of Sutherland.

“I don’t think it’s broken, but he’s going to have a few stitches, that’s for sure.”

The Kangaroos dominated the contested ball in the second half, which created scoring opportunities.

Half-forward Jake Young took advantage, bagging five goals, while Michael Kilty contributed three.

Midfielder Tierone Cuffe shone in his 200th appearance for the Kangaroos, while Brad Slater impressed in the ruck and Mitchell Kook across half-back.

MORE NEWS FROM THE EDFL

MORRELL GIVES VERDICT ON PASCOE VALE’S SEASON

ALL THE LATEST EDFL NEWS HERE

EDFL BOSS ‘APPALLED’ AT UMP ABUSE

CRAIGIEBURN COACH ADDRESSES STAR FORWARD’S EXIT

“We were probably a little off our game early on, in terms of what our commitment was to the contest,” Leydin said.

“But we turned that around in the second half. Certainly the third quarter was probably as proud as we’ve been of our group all year with the way they responded, given it was pretty ordinary conditions.

“It would have been easy to be content just sitting there at nine (wins) and one (loss), but we found a way to get things happening.

“All things considered, it was as good a turnaround as we’ve had.”

Sunbury Kangaroos will next host an improved Hadfield for the second time this season after claiming a three-point win in Round 4.

“We’d like to think we’ve improved since then, but if you are asleep at the wheel, those results can go the other way,” Leydin said.

“We’re looking forward to that challenge, to see if we’ve learnt anything from it.”

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.