The Courier | MISSED chances almost cost East Point dearly on Saturday, as it held on to an 11-point win over Melton South.
Despite leading for most of the match at Eastern Oval, the Roos failed to put the Panthers to the sword, winning 10.19 (79) to 10.8 (68).
Coach Glenn Wilkins felt his side should have won by more had it kicked straight, but said he was pleased to escape with four points after battling a handful of injuries throughout the match.
A number of players were struck down during the game including Jack Romeril (corked thigh), Daniel Tung (back) and Toby Boyle (hamstring), limiting rotations and forcing Wilkins to “hide a few guys in the forward pocket”.
“We just botched the footy in front of goal and the longer the game went on, the worse it got,” Wilkins said.
“We probably should have won by more but it was good just to come away with the win.”
Jason Delaney was solid in his first game back since 2013 although his game time was managed throughout, while Sam Cooper and Chris Carson had standout games in defence for the Roos.
Brent Fitzpatrick kicked three goals, while Jake Dunne was a strong target in his new-found attacking role for East Point, although he missed some chances to finish with 2.4 for the day.
For Melton South, coach Mark Pedersen was more than satisfied with the effort from his side, but he acknowledged the inexperience hurt in the end.
Pedersen said his side had just two players aged over 21 for the match.
“We probably hit the wall mentally and physically in the end,” he said.
“I think we were on top on the ground but just not on the scoreboard.
“There are good signs though, I think the players are starting to understand the game plan and are starting to stick to it.”
Panthers captain Shaun White was once again the star performer through the midfield, while Cody Ogston was a standout in the ruck.
Despite being well and truly outsized by East Point giant Paul Kodorenko, Ogston broke even all day to earn high praise from his coach.
“I thought Cody was great, probably best on ground for us in the end,” Pedersen said.
Melton South will monitor the fitness of Jon Bell, who went off with a shoulder injury in the second quarter, while East Point will have a number of its own injury headaches throughout the week.
The Roos will face the massive challenge of North Ballarat City next week before the much-needed bye, while Melton South faces a winnable encounter against Ballarat.
