Watsonia starts to straighten up after a wayward NFL Division 3 season to date

THEY say bad kicking is bad football – and Watsonia coach Corey McCall can ­attest to that after a topsy -turvy start to the Division 3 season.

Matt Crompton has been an outstanding leader for Watsonia this year Picture: Eugene Hyland

THEY say bad kicking is bad football – and Watsonia coach Corey McCall can ­attest to that after a topsy -turvy start to the Division 3 season.

The Saints had kicked 59 goals 84 behinds in six matches before Saturday, including 12.13, 9.14, 11.20, 7.16 and 8.13 among their three wins and three losses.

Facing the unbeaten St Mary’s in Round 7 was ­always going to be a case of making the most of their ­opportunities.

So what did Watsonia do on the weekend? Just kick a lazy 17.10 (112) to the Burras’ inaccurate 9.15 (69).

McCall said the win, which lifts Watsonia closer to a top-four spot, was built around an emphasis on making the most of every opportunity.

“We’ve been in so many games this year where our poor kicking has let us down, so I asked the guys to not look at the scoreboard and just to get back to the way we wanted to play,” he said.

“I’ve always believed we had the talent on the park, but it was pleasing to put four quarters together and hit the scoreboard at the same time.”

Midfield-forward Hayden Mitchell was again in great touch and booted four goals, skipper Matt Crompton led by example as usual and midfield recruit Levi Moss played his best game since joining the club.

It was a battle, but Division 2 top side Hurstbridge beat Thomastown, 11.15 (81) to 6.10 (46). The Bridge trailed at halftime but gradually got on top, with John Kreuzer and Sean Jellie the stars.

A tight bottom-of-the-ladder clash ended with Panton Hill going down to Lalor, 13.16 (94) to 11.9 (75).

The Redbacks were best served by Tom Blake and Matt Duckworth.