THE Hamilton Kangaroos continued their year of development, facing off against North Warrnambool Eagles and going down by 39 points at Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) round five clash shaped up as intriguing contest, with the visitors averaging 120 points per game so far this season, with the home team becoming just the second side to keep the Eagles under 100 points for a game.

Roos coach, Brad Thomas said the first half was a bit off, but the side refocused and fought out the game well.

“I didn’t think we played the way we wanted, but everybody reset in the second half and I thought we played better,” he said.

“That is the second lowest score for the year, they kicked 72 against South Warrnambool.

“There are so many learning points to come out of these games, and one of the things the boys are working on is what to do without the footy.

“In the past, you think it could blow out, but we work pretty hard on a winning mindset, so we come out and set our goals and got back to our structures in the second half.

Even having Darcy (Russell) out, we restructured up, it was just pleasing how they responded.”

Will Povey was slated to play up forward but ended up back in defence for the round five clash, with a standout performance from the defender earning him the Reunion Medal from Hamilton’s 2004 premiership side, which had their 10-year celebration on the day.

“He ended up playing all game down back, we do want to eventually get him through the midfield, and his development has been huge, that is everyone as well,” Thomas said.

Charlie Field continued to impress, dragging down a couple of strong marks to finish as the Roos’ only multiple goal kicker with two majors.

Thomas said he was excited about the development of the club’s younger players so far this season.

“He (Field) is an exciting footballer, even a few of the 2004 premiership players said they enjoyed watching him play,” he said.

The Kangaroos’ mentor said having past players around added to the day, and it was something he wanted to build on.

“As much as we are trying to develop the culture of the Roos, the one thing moving forward is to keep the past players involved, and having them come back is great,” he said.

“We want to start celebrating the past, and as much as they might be Hamilton or Imperials, it is important to celebrate the past.”

The full side got through the game without any injury concerns, with the squad now focusing on its round six clash against Terang-Mortlake.

Other games

THE Roos reserves struggled to match the Eagles, going down by 103 points, 2.2 (14) to 18.9 (117).

James Pike and Jack Jennings each kicked a goal, while Hugh Douglas was the home side’s best player.

The Under-18s continued their winning ways, collecting a 40-point win to remain undefeated for the season.

Thomas Calvert and Jake Tonissen kicked two goals each, while Kyle Rhook was the Roos’ best.