Six rounds into the season and reigning premier North Footscray is still searching for consistency in Western Region Football League division 2.
The Devils are well positioned in third place, have a sky-high percentage of 154.46 and are yet to even roll out a side that resembles their strongest.
But playing coach Jonathan Miller is irked by his side’s inability to get going for four quarters.
A 69-point thumping of Newport Power at Hansen Reserve on Saturday was a prime example as the Devils did not click until well into the third quarter.
“We’re still only playing patchy football,” he said. “I’m hoping to improve that consistency … in saying that, we haven’t been able to get our best side on the park as of yet.
“That’s just the high expectations we’ve put on the side this year.”
A focus at North Footscray has been forward line efficiency.
The Devils are blessed with more gun forwards than most sides, but Miller knows it’s important to have them working well as a unit and within the team structure. Miller wants to see shots taken from better positions to increase the probability on the conversion.
It was like chalk and cheese for North Footscray from the first half to the second half in the win over Newport.
In the first half, the Devils played selfish football and blazed away for a return of 8.7.
After half-time, they produced a brand of football more to Miller’s liking and kicked an accurate 12.3.
“We went back to the way we wanted to play our football and that was run and carry the footy and lower the eyes and not try to be selfish,” Miller said.
Reece Duffield was strong in the ruck, feeding midfielders such as Brayden Montebruno and Rylan Williams. Montebruno claimed best afield honours for his ability to win the contested ball and get a second possession.
Tyren Montebruno was the star up forward with five goals, while Williams completed a strong game with three of his own.
Jack Vorano, who has mainly been used as a wingman, might have found a new home across half-back for the Devils after impressing again.
“He looks really settled and comfortable there, so we’ll probably be leaving him,” Miller said.
North Footscray will be searching for a genuine four quarter performance when it travels to Albanvale on Saturday.
Elsewhere in division 2, Yarraville-Seddon thrashed Albanvale by 128 points with Corey Salvador firing with five goals.
West Footscray went down to Manor Lakes by 17 points, while Parkside copped a disappointing 43-loss to Point Cook on home soil.
In division 1, Altona extended its win streak to matches with a 50-point victory over Caroline Springs.
Spotswood overcame a slow start to beat Albion by 53 points.
In division 3, Laverton suffered a 95-point defeat at the hands of Point Cook Centrals, while Braybrook went down to top-of-the-ladder Wyndham Suns by 36.
