Epping continue to exceed expectations in Northern Football League division 2.
Having been promoted into division 2 in the weeks before the season, the Pingers have slowly adjusted their aims.
The attitude adjustment has been welcomed by coach Greg Whitcroft.
“It’s changed from being about surviving against the better sides,” he said. “It’s now, maybe we can get a win against the the better sides.
“It was a defensive approach and looking at honourable losses. I didn’t think it would get to the stage it has.
“It’s definitely exceeded my expectations. We’ve been competitive in nearly every game.”
The Pingers have four wins after defeating Watsonia on Saturday.
Whitcroft said they played well for three quarters.
But after controlling the game in the first half, the Pingers let Watsonia back in the third quarter.
The margin was back to nine points at the last break.
Pleasingly for Whitcroft, his side responded in the last quarter to record a 15.12 (102)-9.11 (65) win.
“We got back to attacking,” he said. “We used the ball well and we ran out the game well.”
Kevin Kiernan kicked four goals for the Pingers while Jake Perry, Jaedyn Kearney and Thomas Emmins kicked two goals each.
Whitcroft said Alec Buchan, Leigh Judd, Sage Dicello and Reed Jepson were the best in the win.
The win capped off a memorable day for the Pingers as Peter McMahon celebrated his 250th game.
Whitcroft said McMahon was a very popular player at the club.
“He leads by example and is a real honest footballer,” he said. “He’s a great example.”
Whitcroft said the side hoped to knock off one of the top sides in the run home.
“We’ve proved ourselves to be competitive against those sides,” he said.
“Before this week we were in games against Thomastown, Lower Plenty and Diamond Creek. We should have beaten Diamond Creek.
“Hopefully, we can get a few more wins and one against a top side.”
In other results, Thomastown moved back into the top four with victory against Fitzroy Stars, the Bears winning 19.17 (131)-15.12 (102).
Anthony Capeci and Daniel Francis kicked four goals each.
In division 3, Mernda had no trouble accounting for Reservoir 16.17 (113)-3.6 (24).
Riley Black kicked five goals for the Demons. The win moved the Demons into third.
They move above South Morang, which fell short against Panton Hill, 19.13 (127)-12.9 (81). Tye Hall was the Lions’ best.
