Spotswood will go into the Western Region Football League division 1 interleague break holding a solid 3-2 record, but knowing it could be a whole lot better.
The Woodsmen have been in a position of strength in both of their losses against premiership-contending sides, only to allow a run-on that has brought about its downfall.
The Anthony Eames-coached Woodsmen won three of the four quarters against Werribee Districts at McLean Reserve on Saturday, only for all of their hard work to be undone when they were unable to halt a spurt of five unanswered goals in the third quarter.
The Woodsmen went down by three points.
It is top of Eames’ list to find a fix.
“For us the glass is half empty,” he said.
“We’ve had opportunities against Altona and now Werribee Districts where we were up and we let them get a run-on and haven’t addressed it during the course of the quarter and we’ve waited until the quarter time break to address it.
“Against the top outfits in this comp, you can’t do that because you end up too far behind.”
Spotswood switched off at the stoppages during the third quarter.
The Woodsmen had either neutralised or bettered their opposition in that area in building an 11-point lead at half time.
They also had their way in that area in the last quarter, when they fought back to within a kick before the siren ended their fightback.
It was that third quarter lapse that cost Spotswood.
“Our pressure around the footy, at the stoppages in particular, wasn’t at the standard that we were in the first half,” Eames said.
“Big Will Sullivan is always going to get his hands on it [for Werribee Districts in the ruck], particularly at centre bounces and they got us there a couple of times.
“Nick Buykx I thought hurt us a little bit, [Rhyce] Prismall and these guys they roll through there for them.
“If you give them space, they’re going to hurt you.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Spotswood vs Werribee Districts
Spotswood did a lot of good in the game and showed it will be a contender.
Their two losses against Altona and Werribee Districts – two genuine premiership threats –have come by a combined 13 points.
Eames was thrilled with how well the defence held up and picked out Grant Williams for praise after his enthralling duel with Werribee Districts small forward Andrew Panayi.
“Our backline worked hard all day against a real quality small forward line,” Eames said.
Gareth Newton continues to be the Swiss army knife of the Spotswood team. Whatever challenge is thrown the way of Newton, he embraces with a real vigour.
“He played a variety of roles from centre half back and then went forward and played in the ruck at certain stages,” Eames said.
Steven O’Bryan was the other standout for Spotswood, also used in a variety of positions from forward to midfield. Newton, Jordan Boyd and Wayne Patak kicked two goals each in a low scoring game for the Woodsmen, but it was to no avail.
Meanwhile, Altona had a comfortable 123-point win over newly promoted Point Cook. Elliot Cavallaro sparked the Vikings with six goals, while Joel Magnabosco was named best-afield.
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