Tara Murray
Newport is getting closer to putting together a full four quarter performance and its reflecting on the results in the Western Region Football League division 2.
After getting their first win the previous round against Braybrook, the Panthers backed it up on Saturday with a solid win against Sunshine.
Panthers coach Josh Russo said they were starting to head in the right direction.
“It was super important,” he said. “Everyone wants to be ahead of the ledger and we’re now back to even.
“The most positive thing is we didn’t go the other way. The boys played well to get the win.”
The win against the Kangaroos shows that the Panthers have closed the gap on the top teams.
Russo said it would help instil belief in the playing group.
“It’s a really even competition,” he said. “Sunshine is a side that has come down from division 1 and by all reports one of the stronger teams in the competition.
“The game means a lot. We’ve now got that belief that we can mix it and win games against a good side.”
After an even first quarter, the Panthers were able to get out to a four goal margin at the break.
It was a margin they were able to hold throughout the second half, winning 14.10 (94)-10.11 (71).
Russo said it was a really good game of football.
“It was tough across the day,” he said. “We got a couple of goals in the second quarter and that gave us the lead.
“It was a really good contest and we were really persistent and we didn’t go away from what we wanted to do.
“It’s the first time we’ve been close to a full four quarter effort together. We’re playing good football for longer.”
Russo said they had made some adjustments the last few weeks and it showed on Saturday what happened when they delivered.
Hussien Kadour kicked six goals for the Panthers in the win.
Russo said Kadour, ruck Nathan Dowdy, Belal Mesto, Bilal Chehade were the best in the win.
The Panthers this week face North Footscray. Russo said it would be another good game with the Devils in a similar position on the ladder.
The Devils enter the match off the back of a win against Braybrook.
The Devils were never headed in the 17.13 (115)-4.5 (29) win.
Albion got another win on the board, beating Wyndhamvale, 10.12 (72)-4.10 (34).
In division 3, Albanvale smashed North Sunshine, the Suns were too good for West Footscray and Tarneit beat Laverton.
