Tara Murray
St Albans was able to overcome some poor kicking in front of goal to seal its second win of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Saints were at home for the first time this year, facing Roxburgh Park which was coming off a win in the previous round.
The Saints made hard work of it, but did enough to win, 9.19 (73)-8.6 (54).
Saints coach Zammy Muhtari said to be 2-0 was a good start to the season.
“Obviously it’s a good start, but there’s still a lot of improvement to come,” he said.
“There’s still some personnel to bring back, but we’re happy at the moment.”
The Magpies had control early on the scoreboard, with the Saints not helping themselves.
The Saints kicked 1.7 in the first quarter to trail by 12 points.
They still struggled in front of goal in the second quarter, but were able to hit the front heading into the main break.
The scoring dried up in the third quarter, before the Saints kicked five goals to seal the win in the final quarter.
Muhtari said their goal kicking was frustrating and that bad kicking is bad football.
He said the Magpies also made them work hard for it.
“They pushed us all day,” he said. “Their work rate was really strong.
“Our guys had to burrow in under opposition pressure. We should have shut them out of the game earlier, but credit to Roxy.”
Muhtari said late in the game they started to execute a little bit better and were able to finally start to convert in front of goal which proved to be the difference.
Josh Carter and Mason Dipetta kicked two goals each for the Saints.
Muhtari said it was hard to pinpoint who was their best on the day.
“We want players to play a role,” he said. “ Matthew Gundry had a solid game, while Bill Sam down back was good.”
The man of the day though was the skipper in Jack Sims, who played his 350th game for the club.
Muhtari said Sims deserved all the recognition that he got.
“From juniors through to seniors,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to see him come through the journey.
“His passion and dedication week in, week out. Not just to his teammates by the club and it’s a testament to him.
“He’s a real strong driver of the club culture.”
The Saints this week face Craigieburn, which had a bye on the weekend.
Muhtari said he was expecting another big challenge.
‘Craigieburn are always tough and very similar to Roxy with their effort and strong work rate.
“This year it’s a very strong competition and so many close results. It’s closer than last year.”
In other results, Hillside upset West Coburg, winning 17.9 (111)-16.12 (108), while Keilor Park lost to Rupertswood, 15.10 (100)-8.11 (59).
In premier division, Keilor beat Airport West, while in division 2, Burnside Heights defeated Northern Saints.
