Experience vital for Sunbury Kangaroos’ RDFL finals chances

FINALS are on the agenda for Sunbury Kangaroos in the Riddell District Football League this season.

Josh Burgess, pictured playing for Sunbury last season, kicked five on debut for Sunbury Kangaroos. Picture: Aaron Cook

FINALS are on the agenda for Sunbury Kangaroos in the Riddell District Football League this season.

The Kangaroos targeted a finals spot last year, only to miss out on percentage, but an influx of senior players has them building towards achieving that goal.

The team has started that journey with aplomb, taking full toll of a youthful Broadford side to claim its second win with a thumping 21.15 (141) to 7.6 (48) triumph on Saturday.

The Kangaroos seized control in the second and third terms by slamming home 10 goals to one.

“You can pick a couple of players but everybody played well,” Sunbury coach Jarrod Dixon said.

Ryan Pretty snagged eight goals, while Josh Burgess kicked five majors in an “outstanding” performance.

Dixon hopes added experience to the Kangaroos’ line-up will hold them in good stead. Among the arrivals are Burgess, Chris Tsardakis (both Sunbury), John Corso, Phillip Kauffman (Rupertswood), Darragh Mcgovern (Lalor), Chris Petroro (Pascoe Vale) and Calivil United duo Mitchell Farmer and Phillip Lobb.

James Barnes (East Keilor), Jordan Baumgartner (Rockbank), Mitchell Trimboli (Sunbury) and Tom Ellard (Werribee) have left.

“We have more maturity within the group. There are a lot of successful players who’ve come in, grand final and premiership players and some with VFL experience,” Dixon said.

“It will take a while to understand how everybody plays … but we just want to see consistent improvement throughout every game.”

Elsewhere, Rockbank won its first senior game in almost two years, beating Lancefield by 54 points, Wallan claimed its first win at Riddell in 17 years and Diggers Rest beat Woodend-Hesket by 46 points.