THE ladder might not show it but a closer look at Hamilton Kangaroos’ statistics proves the youth-laden list is heading in the right direction.
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The bottom-placed Kangaroos have dashed their average losing margin and are on track to better their 2016 points for tally significantly in 2017.
The Roos’ 44-point average losing margin is 22 points lower than their 2016 marker, while their 822 points for after 13 rounds is on track to smash the 980 they scored across the entirety of last season.
Second-year coach Matt Dunn, who hopes the Roos can add to their one win in the remaining five rounds, said the growth at the Melville Oval-based club was evident.
“We have been competitive but a quarter or period each game is letting us down,” he said.
“If we look at this year, there’s been four or five losses where we’ve had every opportunity to win.
“We’re 1-12 but with a bit of luck, we could have easily had five or six wins on the board and all of a sudden it’s looking a lot different.”
But Dunn said the positives outweighed the disappointments.
“Last year we had four losses under 40 points whereas this year, Port Fairy has blown us away a couple of times, but I feel we’ve been in every other game for longer periods,” he said.
“We think the list is improving this year but we’d like to turn the improvements into wins.
“It would be reward for effort. We haven’t dropped off and we’re working towards it.”
Hamilton Kangaroos face a tough test against triple reigning premier Koroit at Victoria Park on Saturday minus midfield pair Tom Feely (hamstring) and Jarrod O’Brien (foot).
Saints coach Chris McLaren said it was important his charges – sitting second on percentage – stuck to their task.
“We’ve seen upsets this year, so we’re mindful of making sure we’re switched on,” he said.
“We have to make sure we have good habits.”