AN 88-point qualifying final belting – 21.15 (141) to 8.5 (53) – at
the hands of Spotswood was Sunshine’s worst performance for the season,
according to coach Brett Jacobs.
The Kangaroos went into the finals full of confidence after a
strong second half of the season saw them lose only once – to Spotswood.
They snagged a double chance with an impressive 25-point win over
Altona in the final round.
And that win proved crucial, with Sunshine now to play Altona in a semi final after the Vikings knocked out St Albans 24.9 (153) to 12.11 (83).
The Woodsmen dominated the clash on Saturday, combining fierce pressure with powerful attack.
Sunshine had two shots on goal in the first half and trailed by 57
points at half-time. Only inaccurate kicking prevented the scoreline
from blowing out.
By three-quarter time Spotswood had 14 goals to Sunshine’s paltry
two. The Roos kicked six in the last term but were still outscored by
the mighty Woodsmen, who threatened to win by triple figures.
Patrick Wiggins was Sunshine’s only multiple goalscorer with four,
while the Woodsmen had a plethora of options – Jason Cloke kicked six
and Murray Boyd four.
“There was so much to play for and we put in our worst effort for the season,” Jacobs said.
“Spotswood’s pressure was outstanding and we didn’t cope with
that. We couldn’t get our hands on the ball at the stoppages and our
ball use was below average.
“We had a pretty honest discussion about it. We know
we’re better than that and, luckily, we have one last chance to rectify
it this week.”
But Jacobs believes Spotswood is far from unbeatable.
“They deserve favouritsm and most people around the league would
have them as favourites after yesterday but I wouldn’t be writing anyone
off,” he said. “I still think on the day any side is capable of winning
it.”
