Why an “awesome” Roxburgh Park might not be too far away

Roxburgh Park has endured an “up and down” start to the season but coach Michael Farrelly believes his side will be “awesome” when it all comes together.

It’s hard to get a read on where Roxburgh Park sits after the opening month of the Essendon District league season.

The Magpies sit 2-2 after Saturday’s 10.8 (68) to 7.10 (52) over the previously undefeated Hillside.

The other three results have seen Michael Farrelly’s side get the better of Moonee Valley but also go down to Rupertswood and Craigieburn.

But the weekend’s result has proven the Magpies best is more than capable of testing the very best in the competition.

“We’re up and down at the moment,” Farrelly said.

“Our theme for the last week was being buffaloes who run into the storm, not cows running away from it. There were always going to be a period of the team adapting because we’ve welcomed so many new faces into the club.

Harley Short of Roxburgh Park and Lucas Failli of Roxburgh Park get to know each other.Picture: George Sal

“And there’s no doubt that we’ve still got work to do. It might take two weeks, it might take five weeks before we’re playing our best footy.

“But when it does, it’s going to awesome to be part of and watch.”

Several new faces impressed in Saturday’s 16-point victory headlined by former Sunbury Kangaroos forward Cooper McPharlane who booted three goals, his best return in a game so far this season.

But it was the familiar names of Jack Elliott, Luke Reichelt and Travis Cooke led the way in a game where the Magpies took control in the second term.

Matthew Patane celebrates his goal. Picture: George Sal

“Our top three from last year’s best-and-fairest were probably our best, but they weren’t clear standouts,” he said.

“But we could have pulled names out for a hat, and I’m not just saying that to make people feel good, it was a genuine even team performance.

“We had no choice but to bring our best, you need to be on your guard every week with how even the competition is this season.

“Our games against Hillside are always well fought, they’re close no matter where either side is on the ladder.”

Roxburgh Park will next take on Keilor Park while Hillside travels to face the winless Hillside.