By Tyler Lewis
The bye has come at a perfect time for Officer.
It’s been far from a dream start for the Roos in its maiden AFL Outer East Premier Division campaign, suffering two losses from its opening two outings.
On Saturday, the Roos hosted Pakenham – a side that has had a three week layoff since its opening round defeat to Narre Warren on 2 April.
Ash Green’s men had all the ascendancy in the opening half, but were unable to ice the game in front of goal, taking a 6.12 score line into the main break.
The yips continued in the third term for the Lions, as they added a further 2.6.
The wayward kicking in front of goal threatened to cost Pakenham the game in the final stanza, when the Officer outfit stormed home.
The Roos weren’t dead-eyes in the fourth term themselves, but by holding the Lions to 1.1, Officer mounted a neat comeback.
The home side came home with a wet sail, but a two goal first half ultimately left the young Roos with too much ground to cover.
The 9.11 (65) to 9.19 (73) defeat leaves the Roos 0-2 heading into the bye, with a crucial pair of games against Woori Yallock and the improved Wandin side to follow.
For Pakenham, the early wins are as important as any, with a heavier home game schedule to come.