The Blues trailed by one point at three-quarter time before slamming on five goals consecutive goals early in the final term to claim a 17.13 (115) to 15.8 (98) victory – the win the Blues’ 12th in succession.
Having come from behind at the last change against Fitzroy Stars, Diamond Creek and now North Heidelberg (twice), Epping coach Mario Bandera said his side’s superior fitness base was the catalyst for its success this year.
“Last time we played them I thought they ran with us until the end and were the only side that matched us with our fitness, which I did mention at three-quarter time,” Bandera said.
“I do think we showed early in that last quarter that we’re fitter than most sides in the competition and that’s where our success comes from – our fitness – and our ability to still be executing when the game is on the line.”
After claiming a tough 10-point win over the Bulldogs in Round 5, many felt the Blues would experience an even greater challenge this time around, given the inclusion of Shane Harvey.
Opposed by Brenton Keating for four quarters, Harvey kicked eight goals but Bandera felt Keating’s job was crucial in setting up victory for the Blues.
“I said to Brendan before the game that if he [Harvey] kicks four or five you’ve probably done your job because he’s a good player and he will kick goals.
“He kicked eight and without being negative to him, a lot of our good defensive work comes when our on-ballers are supporting our backline and I think Brenton did a great job on him and if he got a little bit of support he would have probably limited his impact on the game.”
Billed as a potential Grand Final preview, the game lived up to expectation with Epping holding a two-point lead at both quarter time and half time.
North Heidelberg kicked three of the opening four goals of the game, before Totino brothers, Josh and Adrian, kicked majors to give Epping a small buffer at the first change.
The sides traded goals in the second term with Harvey and Simon Kefalas (five goals) both booting two for the term, with neither able to shoot clear of its opponent.
There were highlights aplenty in the opening half, with Luke Lirosi dancing around two would-be tacklers to kick a miraculous goal, while North Heidelberg’s ferocious tackling inside its forward 50m allowed Harvey and Marty Hopkins (three goals) to convert.
The lead changed five time in the third quarter as the top two sides continued to trade blows, with Harvey adding another three, including one on the three-quarter time siren after earning a free kick for an inspiring chase down.
Will Connell also worked as a good foil for Harvey, kicking two for the term, but Kefalas was also able to kick another two down the other end and was supported by Shaun Hamling and Josh Totino who both kicked opportunistic goals.
Lirosi kicked a 50m bomb after roving a Harley Nancarrow tap in the opening minute of the term, which started an eight-minute onslaught for the Blues at the beginning of the final term.
Kefalas then converted after plucking a strong contested mark three minutes later, before Matthew Garland intercepted a poor kick from Jason Dean in defence and extended Epping’s lead to three goals.
When Daniel Moore busted through a tackle and kicked another from the goal square just a minute later, the game was effectively over with Epping leading by 25 points.
Now three games clear of its closest rival and a near certainty to take out the minor premiership, Bandera said the challenge for his side was to now maintain its exemplary form.
“We know that at 12-zip we’ve beaten most sides twice – we’ve still got Fitzroy Stars and Hurstbridge to go – but sides are going to be gunning for us so for us that’s going to be a motivating factor,” he said.
“The true test of our character and our ability to play is that sides are going to be up for us every week.”
With four of its remaining six games against sides inside the top four, Epping faces a stern test ahead of September, but Bandera said it was preferable to play the top sides ahead of the finals series.
“As much as it is going to be a tough run home, we looked at last year’s finals series and other than playing Lalor in the last game of the year, we had some soft games going in.
“I think we play Diamo [Diamond Creek] in Round 17 and North Heidelberg in Round 18 so it’s going to be a good run in for us.”
Final score: Epping 17.13 (115) def North Heidelberg 15.8 (98)
