After suffering an upset loss in Round 1, Macleod claimed its first win of the 2018 season following a dominant showing against Whittlesea at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Roos were ruthless in the opening term and raced to a 48-point advantage at the first break, before easing to a 21.17 (143) to 9.11 (65) win.
Macleod ruckman Chris Long enjoyed a strong performance in his 150th appearance for the Roos. He received great support from Lucas Hobbs, Ben Lennon and Kurt Manuel in what was a solid team performance by last year’s runner-up.
Whittlesea won the toss but it was no benefit, with the home side kicking only one goal in the 31-minute quarter. Keen to atone for its opening-round loss, Macleod played with genuine hunger and put through nine goals for the term to open a match-winning lead.
A few early indiscretions resulted in Whittlesea giving up a set shot at goal, which the Roos converted for the first major of the day.
In his first game back at the club, star forward Lennon showed his goal scoring abilities, starting off the game with three goals, followed with a behind, to help the Roos race to an early eight-goal lead.
After a quarter time spray from coach James Atkins, Whittlesea came out with a much-improved showing in the second term, which slowed down the tempo of the Roos.
The Eagles’ held up much better in defence, however as the quarter wore on Macleod was able to still find avenues to goals and added another four majors for the term.
Whittlesea was able to add two majors at the other end, with youngster Clancy Bland producing a well-rounded attacking performance in the forward line and winning his fair share of ruck contests.
Despite the improvement in the Eagles’ defence, they still trailed by 62 points heading into half time, with the scoreline reading 13.7 (85) to 3.5 (23) in the visitors’ favour.
Whittlesea enjoyed its best period in the match during the third quarter, with a number of its better players stepping up. In particular, co-captain Riley Dyson and brother Jack combined well as the Eagles booted three-goals to one to reduce the margin to 50 points.
After a somewhat lacklustre third term, Macleod came out firing in the fourth to diminish any chance of a Whittlesea comeback.
The Roos’ slick ball movement meant their goals flowed with what looked to be relative ease, with Whittlesea’s backline unable to withstand the constant attacks from the Macleod midfield.
Macleod had 13 scoring shots in the final term, converting with seven goals and six behinds, while Whittlesea added two majors for the term.
Lennon finished with six majors in Macleod’s 21-goal haul, while Reid Brandt added three and Liam Brandt, Hayden Seivers, Anthony Doherty and Rourke Turner each finished with two majors.
Macleod will look to carry its momentum into Round 3 when it travels to Ben Frilay Oval to take on winless Hurstbridge. Whittlesea will look to bounce back against Northcote Park in its third home game in succession.
Final score: Whittlesea 9.11 (65) def by Macleod 21.17 (143)
