MACLEOD dealt West Preston-Lakeside a harsh reality check with a stunning 82-point victory at De Winton Park in Round 9.
A clash between the second and fourth-placed teams in Division 1, the Roos again showed why they are one of the leading contenders for the 2015 premiership, with a 16.16 (112) to 4.6 (30) win.
The result propelled Garry Ramsay’s side into first place on the ladder and backed up their win over last year’s premier Greensborough prior to the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Both sitting 7-2 at the halfway point of the season, the Roos sit 0.48 percent above the Boro. The two have opened a two-game buffer at the top of the ladder, ahead of four sides on 5-4.
Strengthened by the inclusion of Jack Langford, Cathal Corr, Liam Brandt and Jack Bianchin, Macleod never looked in doubt from the first bounce against West Preston-Lakeside – although missed opportunities early had many at De Winton Park experiencing a sense of déjà vu.
The Roosters just weren’t able to play with any real presence and the Roos eventually made them pay, jumping to a 37-point lead at the first break, all while keeping the Roosters scoreless in the opening term.
During his quarter time address, West Preston-Lakeside coach Leigh Cole wanted his team to run back harder in numbers and create more open play.
It looked like his players had listened early, as David Rodan registered the Roosters first score of the day with a great running goal.
But that was as good as it got for the Roosters during the second term as Nick Lynch put home two straight goals at the other end.
By the end of the opening half the Roos held a 46-point advantage, keeping the Roosters to just 1.1.
With the match seemingly over, things seemed to make a turn for the better for the visiting side as Jaylon Thorpe took a strong contested mark and slotted his set shot to give the Roosters some hope.
But in a near replica of the second term, the Roos were able to end the term with a three-goal flurry. It included Lynch kicking his fourth goal after the three-quarter time siren to put Macleod ahead by 59 points at the final change.
The Roos’ eyes were now firmly placed on eclipsing the 100-point barrier and they did so with ease, outscoring the Roosters in the final term six-goals to two to go on their way to their second biggest win of the season.
Josh Henkel led the way for the Roos, providing run and penetration off half back. He was helped superbly by Lynch, whose six majors improved his season’s tally to 26 in six matches, and captain Kane Shaw.
For the Roosters it was Ali Fahour, Thomas O’Neill and Kane Heaney who were shining lights in a disappointing day.
Macleod now travels to Montmorency to play a Magpies outfit that will be looking to atone for their one-point loss to Bundoora last week.
The now seventh-placed Roosters face another tough challenge when they play reigning premier Greensborough.
Final score: Macleod 16.16 (112) def West Preston-Lakeside 4.6 (30)
