Macleod produced a dominant second half to beat Epping by 73 points at Epping Recreational Reserve in Round 10.
After a tight and physical first half, the Kangaroos ran riot after half time to finish with a 20.17 (137) to 9.10 (64) victory at Epping Recreation Reserve.
In a game that was crucial to the relegation battle, Macleod proved to be a class above. It was its ability to move the ball quickly, take risks and use the open spaces of the large ground that led to the onslaught of goals.
Epping could not keep up as Macleod transitioned from the backline through the corridor and into the forward line in a matter of moments. This gave its forwards many one on one opportunities and chances to convert.
All of Macleod’s players brought into this frantic game plan but it was David Adams who executed it the best. He gained huge amounts of territory with bursts of speed followed by long, probing kicks.
Adams was supported by Anthony Doherty and Hayden Seivers who were not only explosive on the outside but won plenty of hard ball and clearances. Up forward it was Lachlan Considine who converted with four goals. He had a field day at the feet of Macleod’s bigger forwards.
The story was not so good for Epping. While Peter Shepherd was able to add four goals to his total for the season there were few other positives. Its pressure in the first half was causing Macleod to make mistakes but as soon as it eased up Macleod would do as it pleased.
Joshua Stavely and Beau Delcus were some of the better players for Epping but there was only so much they could do against increasing number of Macleod players streaming through the midfield.
The signs were ominous early for Epping as the Kangaroos managed five scoring shots before Epping’s first goal, which came courtesy of Shepherd. Epping’s pressure resulted in a turnover and goal before Anthony Doherty gave Macleod a 10-point lead at the break.
Epping opened the second quarter with three goals and the momentum had swung its way. However, after all of Epping’s hard work Justin White kicked two of Macleod’s next four goals to enter half time ahead – a disheartening position for the home side.
After half time Macleod was quick to take its game to the next level. In the space of two minutes the Roos kicked three goals from centre clearances. This seemed to break Epping’s spirits as its pressure dropped and the floodgates opened.
Macleod added three more goals to finish the third quarter and then picked up where it left off in the last. Considine kicked two goals for the term, as did Mathew Pow, as Macleod finished with 20 goals.
Final score: Epping 9.10 (64) def by Macleod 20.17 (137)
