ST Albans is scrounging around the Western Region Football League division 1 basement after a winless opening month of the season.
The Saints slumped to their fourth successive loss to high-flying Altona Vikings by 72 points on the road at JK Grant Reserve on Saturday.
The red and blues lurched into ninth position on the ladder and will be involved in a cellar-dweller mockbuster with Sunshine Heights in a fifth round encounter that is fast turning into desperation stakes if either side has ambitions of challenging for this year’s finals.
Saints coach Ian Denny was left to lament his side’s skill level in the 12-goal loss to the Vikings, but, unlike a week earlier, could not bemoan a lack of will from his players.
“It was all about polish today,” Denny told the Weekly.
“They had a lot more polish than we did.
“We missed opportunities, we turned over some footy at crucial areas and at crucial times.
“It was a bit disappointing in the end on the scoreboard, but the effort was good.”
The Saints were punished for their shoddy disposal into the forward half.
Their only real target in attack was Daniel McKerracher, who stepped up with three goals and a number of contested marks.
“They must have got six, seven, maybe eight goals through transition,” Denny said.
“Instead of us having a shot on goal, we turn it over and they end up scoring.”
The Saints are still not at full strength. They could regain up to five key members for the Sunshine Heights clash.
One player certain to line up is Jack Sims, who has made a successful return from a long-term injury.
Sims was best for the Saints in running midfield role.
“He’s a fantastic story,” Denny said.
“He’s come back after missing the whole year last year.
“He played as a floating midfielder and got plenty of the ball.
“It was good to see him get involved.”
Brent Taylor is another Saint in good form, rebounding superbly off the half-back line.
Dean Pace, playing against his old side, and Jacob Graham were other notable contributors for the Saints.
Division 1: Altona 19.6 (120) d St Albans 7.6 (48), Deer Park 15.10 (100) d Albion 13.8 (86), Hoppers Crossing 38.15 (243) d Sunshine Heights 6.2 (38), Port Melbourne Colts 10.7 (67) lt Spotswood 18.12 (120), Sunshine 17.13 (115) d North Footscray 9.4 (58).
Next round: Albion v Sunshine (JR Parsons Reserve), Hoppers Crossing v Deer Park (Hogans Road Oval), North Footscray v Port Melbourne Colts (Hansen Reserve), Spotswood v Altona (McLean Reserve), St Albans v Sunshine Heights (Kings Park Reserve).
Division 2: Coburg Districts 39.25 (259) d Laverton Magpies 0.1 (1), North Sunshine 1.3 (9) lt Caroline Springs 24.14 (158), Wyndhamvale 29.20 (194) d Braybrook 2.5 (17), Yarraville-Seddon 23.11 (149) d Glenorden 6.10 (46).
Next round: Braybrook v Coburg Districts (Pennell Reserve), Laverton Magpies v Caroline Springs (Laverton Park), Parkside v North Sunshine (Henry Turner Reserve), West Footscray v Yarraville-Seddon (Shorten Reserve), Wyndhamvale v Albanvale (Wyndhamvale Reserve).
