AFTER a horror six weeks, Natimuk United have dropped out of the top six and face a tough challenge to work their way back into the finals frame.
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With a lengthy injury list causing problems for the Rams, Kalkee was ruthless in its return from the bye, beating the Rams by 75 points at home on Saturday.
Missing coach Sam Anson, Rams assistant coach Garry Hallam led the side out and said Kalkee moved the ball really well.
“They are a really good side and we went in a bit underdone,” Hallam said. “They move the ball really well and they all play their roles. They will definitely go deep in finals.”
Earlier in the season the Kees beat the Rams by just four points. Natimuk United went into Saturday’s contest with a host of senior players missing.
“We back ourselves whenever we play but we were missing Sam, Jono Lovel, Kyal Murray and Andrew Watson which really hurts our structures,” Hallam said. “It goes to show in country football how quick things can change.”
Natimuk United were kept scoreless when going against the wind in the first and third quarters. Kalkee scored 7.6 (48) to nothing in the first term to set up the victory. The Rams won the fourth quarter, kicking four goals to one, but the game was well and truly decided.
Kalkee coach Stuart Farr said it was pleasing his side was able to score freely going into the wind as well.
“We didn’t close the door on them last time so we wanted to come out and make a statement early,” he said. “We kicked a few points before we scored a goal. They couldn’t score into the wind but we managed to kick five goals going against the wind in the second quarter.
“We dropped off a bit in the last quarter without a bench and it was a bit disappointing not to win all four quarters. We didn’t have any serious injuries.”
Kalkee’s guns Lachie Exell and Simon Hobbs were named best on ground for Kalkee. Exell kicked four goals while Hobbs snagged two majors.
“Lachie really controlled the game well and completely shut down Jaydon Stiles down back when he was looking dangerous,” Farr said. “He had a hand in most of our goals too.”
Hallam said despite the loss and sitting in seventh, the Rams were still firmly motivated to play finals.
“We are taking each game as it comes at the moment and seeing who we have to put on the park,” he said.
“Having the bye this week will help us out a lot. Then we will hit the Swifts in the final round with everything we have.
“If we beat the Swifts we are chance for that sixth spot and we will be having everyone primed.”
