Sunshine was gallant in a five-point defeat to finals contender Werribee Districts in division 1 of the Western Region Football League at Soldiers Reserve on Saturday.
The Kangaroos trailed at every change but provided a late scare in an encouraging sign for a side bereft of confidence.
Daniel Castellano did everything in his powers to get the Roos over the line with six goals, but it was not enough and they went down 15.14 (104)-15.9 (99).
Seven losses on the bounce have the Kangaroos down to second-last on the ladder heading into this weekend’s bye.
Another side with an identical 3-8 record is St Albans.
Despite a late flurry of goals, the Saints lost another tight encounter on Saturday, this time going down 12.6 (78)-9.8 (62) to Altona at Kings Park Reserve.
Michael Spooner kicked three for the Saints to stay second on the league goalkicker’s list, while Mitch Gaunt produced his best game of the season.
The Saints are third-last ahead of this week’s dangerous trip to newly promoted Wyndhamvale, who have proved their worth among the top flight teams this season.
Deer Park continued on its merry way with an 82-point drubbing of Albion at John McLeod Oval.
The Lions were switched on to the threat of Albion after being upset by them earlier in the season.
Former AFL stars Brendan Fevola (five goals) and Shannon Byrnes led the way for the Lions, who stay top on percentage.
In division 2, Caroline Springs had something to smile about after slaughtering Albanvale by 119 points at Town Centre Oval.
It was an otherwise bad week for the Lakers, who received news that star recruit Brian Lake will be out for an extended period through injury.
The Lakers had 10 individual goalkickers, including four to Mathew Sutton, who now has 60 for the season.
In division 3, Sunshine Heights pipped Laverton Magpies by six points.
The Heights led by 16 points at three-quarter time, but were challenged late on, making it too close for comfort.
