West Preston-Lakeside ended a two-game losing streak with a commanding 78-point victory over Greensborough at War Memorial Park in Round 5.
A six-goal first quarter set up the Roosters, who didn’t kick less than four majors in any quarter on their way to the 19.15 (129) to 7.9 (51) win.
The result propelled them back into fourth place on the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder.
The Roosters were led by their experienced players, with Andrew Walker named best on ground for his damaging run and carry off half-back, while Ahmed Saad and Mathew Stokes were also named among the best.
Coach Rob Maiorana praised the leadership of his former AFL players post-match.
“Obviously they’re really talented players but it’s really their leadership that stands out,” Maiorana said.
“We’re really privileged to have them on board.”
Saad was once again a force up forward for the Roosters, bagging six goals to take his tally to 29 for the season.
Patrick Karnezis also chipped in with four majors, while Josh Novelli and Stokes kicked three and two goals respectively.
For the Boro, Michael Croxford was the only multiple goal scorer with two majors as his side slumped to its fifth-successive loss to start the 2017 season.
West Preston-Lakeside got off to a dream start, with Karnezis kicking two goals within the first five minutes of the match.
The sides traded goals midway through the first term before Karnezis’ third, as well as two to Saad, gave the away side a 24-point lead at quarter time.
The Roosters continued their dominance in the second term, however couldn’t convert on the scoreboard, kicking 4.8 to 1.0 for the term.
Walker put in his contender for mark of the year early in the second quarter, while a strong mark and conversion from the Boro’s Brody Tickell was the home side’s only highlight as they went into the main break facing a 50-point deficit.
West Preston-Lakeside skipper Shaun Gannon got his side off to a flying start in the second half, kicking the first goal inside a minute of the restart from half-time.
Greensborough was able to steady, with goals to new recruit Kendall Mow, Mitch Merkel and Croxford, however late goals to Mitch Tobin and Novelli for the Roosters extended the lead to 54 points at the final change.
The Roosters didn’t take their foot of the pedal in the final quarter, with their intent and pressure around the ground still on show, something Maiorana highlighted post-match.
“I really challenged the boys this week to step up and play a consistent four-quarter effort and they responded really well.”
The Roosters kicked three goals within the first five minutes of the final term, as Karnezis kicked his fourth, while Stokes chimed in with his two majors.
Billy Bedford kicked a late consolation goal as the Boro continued their winless start to the 2017 season. At 0-5, Robert Hyde is starring down the barrel of missing the finals for the first time since 2013.
Greensborough will look to get on the board against reigning premier Heidelberg at Warringal Park in Round 6, while the Roosters face Bundoora in a top-four clash at J.E Moore Park.
Final score: Greensborough 7.9 (51) def by West Preston-Lakeside 19.15 (129)
