Lalor didn’t have long to dwell on a goal-less performance on Anzac Day, responding in the best possible way with a win.
The Bloods had a day to forget against Diamond Creek in Northern Football League division 2 on Tuesday with a 115-point loss and just six points on the scoreboard.
They put that behind them on Saturday against Panton Hill, putting themselves on the winners’ list for the first time this season.
Bloods coach Jarrod King said they were embarrassed by their performance on Tuesday and had spoken about redeeming themselves.
King, who was on the sidelines after breaking his ankle in the Anzac Day thrashing, was happy early on in the Panton Hill game with the Bloods leading by 23 points at quarter-time. They maintained a lead of at least two goals in the next two quarters, before securing a 13.15 (93)-9.11 (65) win.
King said the feeling around the club on Saturday night was much improved.
“Tuesday was a day to forget,” he said. “We spoke about it before training. We didn’t want that to happen again.
“To bounce back in the way we did was pleasing.
“We finished with only 17 players on the field, which makes the result even better.”
King said a couple of players were due to have scans this week to discover the extent of their injuries. He was delighted with how his players stood up across the ground in Saturday’s win.
Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, who was best for the Bloods in their disappointing loss to Diamond Creek, backed it up with a best-on-ground performance against Panton Hill.
Harley Nancarrow, who came to the club in off-season, starred up forward with four goals and took plenty of marks.
Nick Sandy was fantastic in kicking 5.2.
For King, the challenge is to back up Saturday’s performance with another solid, four-quarter game against Watsonia in the next round.
“The boys are up and about and we need a good week on the track,” he said.
The first year coach will know in two weeks whether he has to have surgery on an ankle. He said that while he’d love to return this season, he was unsure whether that would be the case.
He said coaching from the sidelines was a different experience.
While the Bloods got their first win of the season, Thomastown experienced its first loss.
The Bears lost to Diamond Creek 16.13 (109)-10.7 (67).
In division 1, Bundoora returned to the winners list with a 26-point victory against Hurstbridge, while Whittlesea lost to Northcote Park.
In division 3, Epping and South Morang had wins, while Laurimar and Mernda were defeated.
