Tara Murray
The Suns are in the perfect position to attack the second half of the season in the Western Region Football League division 3 competition.
The Suns sit second, with just a one-point loss to Albanvale, and with a good run of home matches in the back half of the season.
Coach Dean Cachia said they were happy with how things were tracking.
“We’re doing well,” he said.
“It’s starting to get cold now and you have to keep them interested and make sure they’re getting to training.
“It’s a good start to the season, but there’s a long way to go. We have to get the right players fit and ready, not just for now but for finals.
“We’ve had a lot of away games early in the season with club renovations. We’ve got a lot of home matches on the way home which is massive.
Like many other teams, the Suns have several players on the injury list at this time of the year.
Cachia said on Saturday, they had more than 15 players out. Many of those will be back after the break.
On Saturday, the Suns faced bottom side North Sunshine.
While the Suns came away with the win, Cachia said overall it was a disappointing day for the club.
The reserves match got called off at half time due to a fight. Cachia said it is something the club doesn’t want to be involved in and not what is wanted in the league.
The seniors then took to the field, winning 18.15 (123)-4.3 (27).
Cachia said North Sunshine played a competitive game of football.
“I think North Sunshine came with a plan and they executed that plan,” he said.
“They played a very defensive minded game. You have to give it to them, it’s a far closer game than the last time we played them.
“It’s impossible to train to play against a style like that.”
Luke Cachia kicked five goals in the win, while Josh Foster was named best on ground.
The Suns this week face third placed Braybrook.
Cachia said it would be a big game for the club with both sides pushing for a top two spot come the end of the year.
In other division 3 matches, Albanvale beat Tarneit, 20.16 (136)-6.5 (41). Liam Montrose kicked eight goals in the win.
Braybrook was too good for Laverton, winning 33.15 (213)-3.2 (20). Shaun Buttigieg-Clarke kicked 10 for the Brookers.
In division 1, Point Cook got a crucial win in the relegation battle.
The Bulldogs led by 29 points at three quarter time and had to survive a last quarter Kangaroos comeback, winning 11.10 (76)-9.11 (65).
Nick Buykx was named best on ground.
The win, the Bulldogs second, leaves them a game ahead of both Yarraville Seddon and Sunshine.
Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing fell short against Caroline Springs, 17.5 (107)-8.11 (59), while Werribee Districts 17.13 (115)-6.6 (42).
