EDFL 2021: Sunbury Kangaroos score crushing win over Taylors Lakes

Sunbury Kangaroos were supposed to struggle in EDFL Division 1 after losing 10 premiership players, but this result showed they may be better than expected.

Mitch Kook was among Sunbury Kangaroos’ best in Saturday’s win. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sunbury Kangaroos have lost 10 premiership players since completing an undefeated season in 2019.

Promoted to Essendon District Football League Division 1 for their second season in the competition, the young Kangaroos were expected to struggle against their more experienced rivals.

But after a competitive effort against Roxburgh Park in Round 1, the newcomer dismantled Taylors Lakes on Saturday to score their first victory under new coach and life member Leigh Sporle.

The Kangaroos piled on nine goals to one in the first half and ultimately prevailed by 74 points, 19.15 (129) to 7.13 (55).

Sporle said it was a confidence-boosting result for his new-look line-up.

“It’s well-known we’ve had a bit of a turnover and it’s a pretty new side,” Sporle said.

“We got jumped at the start in Round 1, but we still played pretty good in pretty ordinary conditions.

“(On Saturday) we did well, so I was rapt with the boys. I’m rapt we’ve got our brand of footy … we need to improve, but it was a good show that we can put it all together.

“With a young side, we’ve got a lot to learn. We’ve just got to keep growing.”

The Kangaroos showcased their options inside the attacking 50m arc, with Nathan Carroll bagging five goals and Mark Freeth four, while Mitch Streiff, John Corso and Brenton Sutherland chipped in with two apiece.

Given decorated country footballer Saad Saad was absent, along with fellow recruits Blake Henderson and Nathan Davidson, it was an encouraging performance.

Sporle said Saad was “pretty close” to making his debut for the club.

“We’ve got a good even spread who can pop up and kick goals,” Sporle said.

“We’ve still got Saady to come back, so it’s going to be a bit of a headache to fit all those blokes in.

“We’ve got some guns to still come back in.”

Mitch Kook, Brandon Watts and Will Healy were other standouts in the win.

Taylors Lakes were well-served by Daniel Sargent, Bryce Healy and Darby Lalor.

The Lions were missing headline signings Patrick Rose and Scott Harding, while Jake Hobbs had VFL commitments with Essendon.

The Kangaroos will reignite their rivalry with Rupertswood in a Saturday night fixture in Round 3, with the two clubs previous affiliated with the Riddell District league.