Tara Murray
Everything went to plan for the Suns as they inflicted Albanvale’s first loss of the Western Region Football League division 3 season on Saturday.
In the top of the table clash, it was the Suns that were able to put together four quarters of consistent football.
While it took until late in the second quarter to get out to a lead, the Suns had been in top of the game.
The second half was all the Suns, with 10 goals to three, as they got an 18.10 (118)-8.6 (54) win.
Suns coach Dean Cachia said they had been building a performance like this for a number of weeks.
“It was a big day for us,” he said. “Our eyes were set on that game for quite a while.
“We had never beaten them there before, so it was the first time.
“To get it done and get it done well, it was really pleasing. We are very confident in the direction we are going in, and we’re improving week to week.”
Cachia said both sides were missing key players, meaning neither side was at full strength.
He said while it took a while to take control on the scoreboard, all their plans seemed to work on the day.
“We focus on the whole four quarters,” he said. “Our third quarter is our best quarter this year.
“We kicked three goals early and were about to get it out to a 35-40 point lead and it’s hard to come back from there.”
Blake Jago kicked five goals. Cachia said they were unsure up until game day whether he would play due to illness.
It was the midfield that did the damage. Josh Foster was awarded the best on ground medal, while Devan Ellis was also busy.
Defender Christopher Lear was another standout.
While thrilled with the win, Cachia knows that they can’t get ahead of themselves, with the two teams likely to meet in finals.
He said as a side they were building.
“Everyone is motivated for the team,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition for spots in the team.
“They know if they don’t play the team role, they might be playing in the twos, no matter your ability.
“Everyone has bought into it.”
The Suns face Sunshine Heights this Saturday. Having given up a six goal lead last time, Cachia said they can’t take the match early.
“They challenged us,” he said. “They got the jump on us and we weren’t where we should be.
“We won by 15 goals, but we don’t take away from what they did.”
Cachia was one of the key players who didn’t play on Saturday, along with Lucas Andrew who is overseas.
The coach said a hamstring injury was keeping him out.
“I’m a couple of weeks away,” he said. “There’s the chance to coach from the side lines, which is a new experience for me.
“It has been great. It’s been good from the mental side of things being able to give them immediate feedback.”
In other WRFL news:
Altona knocks off Caroline Springs: ow.ly/4v3I30snMIL
