Sunshine is back on the Western Region Football League winners’ list after beating Altona by 31 points on Saturday.
In a sometimes fiery clash, the Kangaroos proved too consistent and had answers
for everything the Vikings could throw at them.
After kicking with the wind in the opening quarter, Sunshine took a 12-point lead into the first break.
Then, defending against the wind, the Kangaroos produced some of their best football of the season.
In front of their home fans, the Sunshine players combined for a six-goal-to-three quarter to increase the lead to 33 points.
Despite the Vikings’ best efforts, there was no coming back, with the Kangaroos eventually enjoying a 16.15 (111) to 11.14 (80) win.
Sunshine coach Brett Jacobs was rapt to get the club’s first victory since round one.
“I think our boys had forgotten how to win so it was an important game,” Jacobs said.
“We haven’t been able to put four quarters together and it’s ended up costing us games.
“Teams have been a bit more aggressive in their planning and the way they come at us and we haven’t handled that as well as we should.
“Hopefully, getting a win on the board today brings back a few old feelings and we can string a few together now.”
Patrick Wiggins was outstanding for the Kangaroos inside the 50-metre arc, the big forward taking a number of important contested marks.
He also had his kicking boots on, finishing the match with five goals, including the sealer late in the final term.
Around the ground, Russell Douglas was a key pivot, frequently sending the Kangaroos forward and kicking three goals.
Sunshine will look to make it two wins in a row when it takes on St Albans this weekend.
“It’s going to be a very tough game,” Jacobs said.
“They dropped their first two games and have come back strongly.
“They’re up and about and are top-three material.
“We will need to be better than we were today.
“They have some big forwards and are really well balanced at both ends. Hopefully, we’ll improve again and get another win next week.”
