After only five goals were kicked in the first half, West Preston-Lakeside’s forwards fired in the second half to inspire a 12.9 (81) to 9.12 (66) win.
Anthony Rocca was a welcome return for the Roosters with four goals while Glenn Robertson was the dominant small forward, getting on the end of some good play to also kick four.
It was delivery into the forward line that proved the difference. Both teams were able to win the ball and move it through the midfield but fell down when entering the forward 50m, especially in the first half.
In the second half a three-goal wind across the ground died down and the Roosters began to lower their eyes while Macleod’s troubles continued.
The ball was constantly swinging from end to end in a high pressure game. Ali Fahour played a pivotal role in this for West Preston-Lakeside and cut off numerous Macleod attacks.
That plus the great contested ball wining abilities of Pece Micesvski kept the Roosters on top in the centre of the ground. Down back Kane Heaney kept Mathew Pow goalless.
For Macleod Hayden Seivers led the way off the half back, with much of the visitors’ ball movement beginning with him. Some of that movement ended in the hands of Cathal Corr who kicked three goals as he rotated through the flank and the midfield.
Chris Long was the dominant big man on the ground for Macleod. He was able to hit the scoreboard in the second half, kicking two goals as he moved around to meet Macleod’s needs.
The game started slowly with only one goal scored in the first quarter courtesy of Rocca, and the second quarter involved more of the same.
After a break in play when Roosters player Oliver Dufficy was knocked out in a marking contest the intensity seemed to lift but the outcome on the scoreboard was not much different.
It was not until the second half that the game began to open up. Long evened the scores for Macleod before West Preston-Lakeside hit back. The Roosters kicked four goals for the quarter – three coming from Robertson – but late goals meant that Macleod was in touch with a quarter to go.
With 15 points the difference the first goal of the last was extremely important. It was Corr who managed it and the Roos looked like they might overrun the home side.
However that was where Macleod’s challenge ended, as the Roosters piled on the next four goals to put the game beyond doubt. Micevski’s snap from the pocket while running towards the boundary was a great way to seal the win.
Macleod did manage a few late goals but the result was already beyond doubt.
Final score: West Preston-Lakeside 12.9 (81) def Macleod 9.12 (66)
