Football: Kangas coach praises youngsters

North Albany coach Brad Bootsma admitted his side must start winning games if they are to even make the finals after a disastrous 25-point loss at the hands of Denmark-Walpole on Sunday.

In front of their home crowd, the Kangas turned out a horrible first term before fighting back to get within a point at three-quarter time, only to fade away as the Magpies slammed home four final term goals to seal victory.

Magpies full forward Jonathon D’Sylva finished with seven goals in a fine display.

The remainder of the Magpies’ prime movers also hit top gear in the 15.6 (96) to 10.11 (71) win.

It was the second loss on the trot for the Kangas, who have not tasted victory since June 25, with a draw flattering their poor form in the last month.

Bootsma, who remained on the sidelines for another week with a rib injury, said his side must turn around their form.

“They got the jump on us, we fought back in the second and third term but fell away in the last,” he said.

“Our blokes made simple errors and we have a lot of work to do that’s for sure.

“Sooner rather than later we need to start winning some games or we might not even make the finals.”

He was again pleased with his younger brigade, especially debutant Tim Prouse, while veteran Brett Hall was back to his best with five goals.

“The young boys showed the way, if you want to be enthusiastic and want to do the work it pays off,” Bootsma said.

“Brett Hall had his best game of the year by far. We just need to get some confidence back and sustain our best footy.”

The Magpies broke a drought of their own, winning their first match in almost two months, with player-coach James McRae ecstatic at the result.

“It has been a fair while since a win, we have battled and battled but it’s a relief to win one,” he said.

“North Albany kept coming but the boys kept pushing and we certainly have our best footy ahead of us.”

He heaped praise on D’Sylva along with youngster Jordan Rolt and Alastair Robbins who was simply outstanding.

“Johnny proves having a key forward to kick to pays off while Jordan Rolt is a 16-year-old kid who I reckon everyone knows after today.”

The move to swing Robbins to defence clearly paid off, again producing a great game to finish with a dozen marks.

D’Sylva kicked 7.4 from nine marks while Dave MacDonald also got through the game well and received the match ball for the umpire’s best-on-ground award.

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