The Roosters were in control of the game from the outset, making the most out of their height advantage both in the forward and back halves.
They moved the ball well in the comforts of their home ground and were able to answer any challenge Lower Plenty threw at them.
The Bears may have fancied their chances following their Round 7 upset win against Montmorency, but were put behind the eight-ball almost immediately, losing ruckman Patrick Flynn to a facial injury.
Flynn, one of Lower’s best this season and one of their few big men, received a suspected fractured eye socket early in the first quarter. The Bears tried to fight on without him but were clearly undermanned in the air.
The game was tight in the clinches with the ball locked in stoppages quiet often throughout the day and without its ruckman, Lower Plenty suffered.
Regardless, West Preston-Lakeside’s excellent disposal and run and spread put it a class above.
The Bears kicked the first goal of the game, however when they lost Flynn the repercussions were immediate as West Preston-Lakeside immediately got on top in the midfield.
The home side was able to capitalise kicking three goals in a row, its switching of play was particularly impressive.
After leading by only seven points at quarter time, the Roosters lifted in the second term.
They kicked four goals to none for the quarter and their midfield, including the likes of Adam McKenzie and Kris Bardon, excelled.
While they fought hard to keep the ball in the centre, once it left the Bears struggled with few tall options; as a result they could not kick goals and found it hard to stop them down the other end.
After half time Lower Plenty came out with renewed intent, and matched it with the Roosters.
The teams traded goals but it was the Bears coming out with one less major for the quarter despite having more scoring shots.
The Roosters’ ability to get back and support their defence in numbers meant that Lower Plenty rarely had an easy shot and often sprayed rushed shot wide.
Any hope Lower Plenty had of a comeback was snuffed out when Damien Smith kicked the opening goal in the last quarter.
Despite this, the Bears tried desperately to take the game on, especially skipper Billy Barden who kicked their two goals for the quarter.
But just as they had throughout the game, Lower Plenty broke down once they got to the half forward line. The Bears had just three goal kickers for the day with the Roosters defence, led by Simon Prestigiacomo, at its resolute best.
West Preston Lakeside’s win was manufactured in the centre of the ground.
Adam McKenzie was excellent and was able to win the hard ball and get the clearances. He was accompanied by Kris Bardon whose superb skills were able break open the game.
Jackson Powell fought valiantly for Lower Plenty, getting first to the ball and making sure the Bears were not cut open. Billy Barden was also able to hit the scoreboard again while also contributing in the midfield.
Both teams have not had their ideal start to the season and will look to use the bye weekend as a launching pad into the second half of the season.
West Preston-Lakeside will face in-form Eltham while Lower Plenty has an important clash against bottom-placed Whittlesea.
Final score: West Preston-Lakeside 12.17 (89) def Lower Plenty 6.8 (44)
