WHILE it was still a tough day at Dower Park on Saturday afternoon, Broadford showed signs of life in its most encouraging performance on the football field since joining the Bendigo Football Netball League.
The Kangaroos had the honour of playing in the marquee game for the Pat Cronin Foundation Round, its second marquee game since its return to the field.
Against the fellow winless Kangaroos, it was Kangaroo Flat who got off to a good start, kicking seven goals from 16 scoring shots to Broadford’s two goals in the first term to open up a 38-point lead.
Harry Behan and Jaiden Magor provided some ammunition for the Roos with their two goals.
The second quarter was a good one for Broadford as it looked like it would make a game of it with three of the first four goals of the quarter through Oliver Lubeck, Isaac Smithwick and Magor to reduce the margin to 26 points.
However, Kangaroo Flat would showcase its best form in red time, kicking four goals to extend the margin to 50 points at the main break, leading 82-32.
Again, Broadford fought hard in the third quarter, and kicked two goals to Kangaroo Flat’s three, with Riley Edwards and Ben Thompson hitting the scoreboard.
Broadford trailed 107-45 at the final change.
Kangaroo Flat seemed to get its best game back in order as it kicked six goals in the final term, but Broadford ensured the margin wouldn’t balloon beyond 100 points thanks to last quarter goals from Bryce Fleming and Smithwick, losing 9.4 (58) to 21.25 (151).
Magor provided a good performance with two goals, as did Smithwick with three, while Louis Thompson, Edwards, Charles Neilson and Brodie Stray were also named in the best.
Broadford’s reserves likewise fought hard in losing by 58 points to Kangaroo Flat, while the under 18s lost by 52 points in what was, overall, the Kangaroos’ most competitive performance on the football field so far.
Broadford’s A-grade match was due to be played tonight at Dower Park, with B-grade, B-reserve and 17-and-under playing on Saturday.
The B-grade lost 19-65, while B-reserve had a tough outing, losing 18-92. 17-and-under were bested by Kangaroo Flat, 17-65.
The Roos will now have a week off before returning on May 16 to take on Strathfieldsaye.
