TWO of the competition’s biggest improvers meet in a top-four showdown when Greensborough hosts Macleod at War Memorial Park in Round 4.
Following two thumping wins in the opening two games of the year, the Boro reaffirmed they are the real deal with a gritty three-point win at West Preston-Lakeside last week to hold on to second place on the Division 1 ladder.
Defenders Daniel McLinden and Drew Wilson were best in the victory, keeping the Roosters to just nine goals. Up forward, Tim Bongetti continued his good form in front of the big sticks and booted an equal game-high three majors to take his tally to 11 for the season.
Macleod shot to fourth on the ladder with a runaway win at Whittlesea last Saturday. The Roos booted seven goals in the final term to run out 31-point winners, despite trailing during the third term. Joel Kidd and Hayden Seivers were best in the win, while Jack Langford and Mathew Pow combined for six majors.
Greensborough has had the best of recent battles between the sides, winning two of the past three encounters. Their most recent clash was in Round 18 last season, when the Boro overcame a late deficit to draw the game and deny Macleod a place in the 2013 finals series.
Places inside the top four are also at stake when Bundoora hosts West Preston-Lakeside at Yulong Reserve.
The Bulls stayed first on the ladder after overcoming a strict challenge from Lower Plenty in Round 3 to keep its unbeaten record intact. The reigning premiers’ final winning margin was 43 points, however they led the Bears by just 10 points at the last break.
Gary Moorcroft booted half his side’s goals to finish with seven and extend his lead at the top of the goal kicking table, while Kent Delbridge and David Mitchell led the way from the middle of the ground.
West Preston-Lakeside succumbed to its first loss of the season, with a late fightback falling agonisingly short against the Boro. Glenn Robertson had the chance to win the match with the final kick of the day, however his quick snap could only manage a behind. Youngster Michael Tilmouth-Turner was his side’s best, along with Epping recruits Peter Shepherd and Luke Lirosi.
Pre-season premiership contenders Northcote Park and Montmorency will be looking to kick-start their seasons when they meet at Bill Lawry Oval.
The Cougars remain winless in 2014 after succumbing to Heidelberg by 11 points on ANZAC Day. The Cougars could only muster 14 scoring shots in the away loss, including just four in the first half. A loss this week would make it tough for the 2012 premier to finish in the top three come season’s end.
With Ryan Willits and Mark McKenzie both returning for their first game of the year, Montmorency recorded its first win of the new season when it smashed Eltham at Montmorency Park. The Magpies recorded 39 scoring shots to 12 in the 67-point demolition to shoot to sixth place on the ladder.
Lower Plenty meets Whittlesea for the first time since the duo’s epic final round encounter in 2012, where the Bears miraculously avoided relegation at the Eagles’ expense.
The Bears were gallant at Bundoora last week, before fading in the last quarter where they were kept to just one behind. They have played their best football at home in recent seasons and a win this week could push them back inside the top five and well away from any early relegation battles.
Whittlesea was well in the hunt for the second consecutive match in its loss to Macleod, but again couldn’t get the job done late. Ruckman Jeremy Page was his side’s best, while Lucas Hobbs and Mitch Scholard each kicked three goals.
The battle of the sash takes place at Eltham Central Reserve when third-placed Heidelberg makes the trip to winless Eltham.
The Tigers continue to go about business with minimal fuss under Craig Hunter and won their third straight game when they held out Northcote Park. Former Carlton defender Paul Bower was named best as he continued his strong start to the year, while Michael Brunelli, Michael Looby and James Allery all impressed.
Eltham’s horrid start to the season continued at arch-rival Montmorency, where it was blown off the park early and trailed by five goals at quarter time. Billy Glasgow, Lachie Richardson and Jay Neagle all worked hard against the tide. The Panthers will need to defy history to record their first win, having not beaten Heidelberg since 1982.
