Rampaging Roos defy the experts

ANAKIE co-coach Chris Moore says his players have “now become men” after claiming a 36-point victory over North Geelong that not even he saw coming.

It was a case of déjà vu out at Anakie Reserve.

The Roos entered their match against fourth-placed North Geelong as severe underdogs because of a long injury list featuring stars Jordan Kavanagh (hand) and Jamie Grace (knee).

All 14 of the tipsters in the GDFL footy record tipped North Geelong, leaving the Magpies overwhelming favourites in a game some considered a chance to boost their percentage. But the Roos showed up their critics, just as they did against the Magpies in Round 18 last year, capturing a 36-point victory, even to the surprise of second year co-coach Moore.

“I’m always honest with the boys and after the game I admitted, ‘I didn’t see that coming’,” Moore said.

“I knew if everything went our way there was a small chance we could get away with a win but that was something else.

“They (North Geelong) came back to reclaim the lead in the second half, but we blew them out of the water after halftime and hung on to win. “I told the boys after the game that it was boys versus men and they’ve now become men.”

Jeremy Sluggett injured his ankle in the second quarter, forcing gun midfielder and captain Jamie Phillis to use his authority up forward.

Moore said Jake Butcher and reigning best-and-fairest Connor Walmsley were his standouts. Phillis also put the spotlight on his side’s youth. “A few of the younger guys really stepped up,” he said.

“Lachie Cameron, Kyle Eibl and Blayne Sharp elevated themselves as genuine senior players.

“We played our first game of four quarter footy today and I just hope the boys now know that we are a good side when we are on and we can take it up to anybody.”