Tullamarine got half of its plan dead right against Essendon Doutta Stars in division one of the Essendon District Football League on Saturday.
The Demons went into the game wanting to reduce the Stars goal-scoring ability, an average 139 points a game. And they did exactly that, limiting the Stars to just 76 points.
Unfortunately, the Demons kicked just 25 themselves to lose 10.16 (76) – 2.13 (25).
Demons coach Anthony Leydin said he and his players knew they were in for a challenge after averaging only 80 points a game in the first four rounds.
“We had limited scoring opportunities and that meant we weren’t able to get into the game,” he said.
“In the third and fourth quarters in particular that was an issue.”
Not for the first time this season, Leydin was pleased with his defence’s efforts.
“[Stars full forward] Aaron Kite kicked two goals, and they only had two multiple goal scorers,” he said.
“We contained [Stars’] Shylo Smith to some degree [he had been best on ground the last two weeks].
“Colin Laurie, Russell Laurie, David Brockway and Craig Steele have been really good in defence all year.”
With a young side, there’s still plenty of upside for the Demons.
“The overlap is something we need to work on,” Leydin said.
“The boys need to identify and contain the opposition when we get a run on.
“We’re still a young team and we thought everything was going really well until Saturday’s game.
“It puts us in the middle of the pack. There’s still a fair bit of improvement left in us; we think we’re a top four or five side.”
For Leydin, the start to his coaching career at the Demons has been a challenging one.
“We were behind the eight-ball to start with, going into the market late to get players,” he said. “The playing group has been fantastic. We’ve got a few more wins than many people expected.
“We’re happy being 3-2 but we want to continue improving.”
Craigieburn continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 115-point thumping of East Keilor. Cameron Cloke kicked nine and Jason Cloke kicked seven in the 29.13 (187) – 11.6 (72) win.
In premier division, Greenvale gave up a half-time lead against Pascoe Vale to lose 17.15 (117) – 14.9 (93).
In division 3, Roxburgh Park smashed East Sunbury, while Jacana fell to West Coburg.
