New recruit Simon Clarke stars as Sunbury Kangaroos hammer Rupertswood in RDFL

SUNBURY Kangaroos recruit Simon Clarke made an immediate impact as the team tipped to be the big improver in the Riddell District Football League got its season off to a flyer.

2013 Ballarat Football League Seniors grand final between Sunbury and North Ballarat at Eastern Oval, Ballarat. Simon Clarke of Sunbury evades North Ballarat's Ryan Hobbs.

SUNBURY Kangaroos recruit Simon Clarke made an immediate impact as the team tipped to be the big improver in the Riddell District Football League got its season off to a flyer.

Taking on Rupertswood in a rivalry that continues to build, the Kangaroos posted a 15.10 (100) to 7.10 (52) win at Rupertswood Oval on Saturday.

Scores had been level at quarter-time, both teams managing two goals in a tight opening term. But a six-goal-to-one second quarter set the Kangaroos on their way.

They opened up a 12-goal lead early in the final quarter before Rupo hit back with the final four majors of the game.

“The first quarter, we weren’t playing anywhere near where we knew we could,” Sunbury Kangaroos coach Chris Meacham said.

“We had a bit of a chat and changed a couple of things around. I think honestly the scoreboard did flatter them in the end.

“I took Clarkey, Jay Cheep and Ty Cuffe off, so I had some good players on the bench at the end.

“Take nothing away from them but we did play a hell of a lot better than it looked.”

Former Geelong VFL star Clarke was one of the visitors’ best in his first game since crossing from Essendon Doutta Stars over summer, kicking 4.4 up forward before being rested in the dying stages.

“They’ve got some great backmen like (Brett) Chambers and (Niall) McGovern and they were making us push wide a bit,” Meacham said.

“So Clarkey was having to lead a bit wide but once we got going it wasn’t too bad.”

Fellow key recruits Cheep and Matthew Sullivan were also handy, but it was Matthew Leonard who was best-on-ground for the Roos.

“He’s probably one of the most underrated players in the comp,” Meacham said.

“He can play centre-half back on a Shaun Sims or if need be we can throw him forward.

“He’s only young too. He’s a good kid to coach.”

The Kangaroos will face another top-four team from last year this weekend, set to host Diggers Rest at Eric Boardman Reserve from 2.30pm on Saturday.