KALKEE is winless after three rounds for the first time in a decade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Playing at home, the Kees hung tough against Harrow-Balmoral for three quarters before succumbing to a final-term blitz.
The Roos kicked six goals to two in the last quarter to double their score and hand Kalkee a 12.8 (80) to 8.12 (60) loss.
It is the first time in 10 years the Kees have started a season with three straight losses.
Kalkee finished with three wins and 15 losses that year, placing second-last on the ladder.
The Kees have not missed the finals since 2006.
They were robbed of an important midfield rotation early in the match when three-time league best and fairest Steve Schultz went down injured.
Kalkee soldiered on, managing six scoring shots to one in the opening term but kicking a wasteful 2.4.
Harrow-Balmoral kept the margin to three points at half-time and five at the last change .
The Roos dominated the clearances in the final term, taking full advantage of Schultz's absence.
Their tackling pressure was intense and they kept the ball flowing steadily into their forward line.
Mick Phelan's three goals made him the only multiple goal-kicker for the Roos, but Hamish Ellis, Callum Hobbs and Chris and Scott Heath all impressed.
Harrow-Balmoral coach Brent Forsyth said there was plenty to like about his team's performance.
"Our efficiency wasn't as good as it has been, but we finished with a heap of run and won the ball out of the middle," he said.
"We don't have an abundance of A-graders in our side, but we have a fantastic spread of blokes and we're playing really well as a team right now."
Kalkee coach Trevor O'Brien was not available for comment yesterday.