MAROOCHYDORE coach Brett Maloney admitted his side had received a harsh "reality check" from Palm Beach Currumbin at Fishermans Road yesterday when thrashed by 68 points.
The Roos went into the round two Allied Pickfords Cup clash in a buoyant mood after showing promising pre-season form and winning their round-one clash against competition newcomer University.
The hosts were left to rue a shocking third quarter, however, with the Lions bagging eight goals to take the game out of reach, and eventually win 18.11 (119) to 7.9 (51).
"That's a reality check of where we're at, and we're a long way off the best (teams)," Maloney said.
"We were outsmarted, out-skilled and outplayed in just about every facet."
The Roos were put under plenty of pressure by the ruthless Lions, who made it two wins from two matches this campaign.
Maloney said his side, which was missing goalscorers Mitch Scholard and Jared Clarke, simply could not keep its composure.
"Palm Beach's use of the footy was exceptional, hitting targets. Whereas we just couldn't hit targets. We couldn't use the ball to our advantage," Maloney said.
"Palm Beach's ability to hold the footy and maintain possession was a good lesson for our boys, because that's what we need to try and do.
"We're panicking, we blaze too much and just try and kick and hope. That's sort of under-14 stuff, so we've just got to work on that."
The Roos hung in until half-time, when they trailed 7.4 (46) to 3.6 (24), but were shocked by the visitors' third-quarter eight goals for a 15.5 (95) to 5.8 (38) margin at the last change.
The fourth quarter was much closer, but by then the damage had been done.
"We were still in the game at half-time, which was good," Maloney said.
"We knew then that there are some areas we had to improve on, but we didn't and in the premiership (third) quarter they blew the game to smithereens."
"One (bad) quarter against a good side has cost us dearly ... I expect them (the Lions) to be up and about near the top end of the ladder."
In a promising sign for the Roos, 16-year-old William Kristelly made an eye-catching debut in the ruck after playing just one under-18 game.
PERENNIAL powerhouse Noosa continued its disappointing start to the new campaign with a shock one-point loss to University in Brisbane.
The Tigers led 5.5. (35) to 3.6 (24) at the main break but went down 10.13 (73) to 10.12 (72) to remain winless after two rounds.
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN 18.11 (119)
M'DORE ROOS 7.9 (51)
Words Steele Taylor for the Sunshine Coast Daily
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/roos-learn-theyve-got-plenty-of-work-to-do/1846498/
Last Modified on 02/05/2013 12:52