HEIDELBERG continues to stake its claim as the team to beat this season with a convincing 21-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside at Warringal Park.
After an even first quarter, the Bergers were able to control the tempo of the game and halt the fast pace ball movement of the Roosters, running away victors 13.8 (86) to 9.11 (65).
With the game in the balance midway through the third quarter, it appeared the Roosters had all the run and momentum heading into the final quarter after three consecutive goals to put them in the lead for the first time since quarter time.
However, Heidelberg forward Matthew Pianto stepped up kicking two late goals to stretch the lead back out to nine points at three quarter time for the Bergers.
The first goal of the final quarter was always going to be crucial in this close encounter where the lead was never more than three goals.
A set play from a Heidelberg kick-out saw it move the ball from end to end within 30 seconds and four possessions. It landed in the hands of Pianto standing unattended in the goal square, allowing him to kick his third goal in a row for the match.
The Bergers never gave the Roosters a chance in the final quarter, grinding out a strong victory giving them their seventh win of the season.
The Roosters will rue their missed opportunities; especially in the second and third quarters.
On numerous occasions they fell down at the last hurdle when delivering the ball inside the forward 50 by picking out the Heidelberg defenders rather than giving their leading forwards reward for effort.
Heidelberg utilities Michael Brunelli, Paul Bower, Aaron Crispe and Charles Gaylard were among the best on the day, gathering plenty of the ball in crucial stages of the game.
Bower in particular proved a great option for Heidelberg when he played across the half back line, providing the chop out while also providing plenty of run and drive down the wing with numerous second and third efforts.
There were whispers around the NFL during the week centred on the inclusion of ex-Melbourne star Aaron Davey into the Roosters line up.
While Davey wasn’t listed on the team sheet on Friday, it was hard to miss the man wearing the number 60 whenever he was in possession of the ball.
Davey added poise and slick skills across the half forward line in the first quarter, setting up a few chances on goal before adding his first mid way through the first quarter.
He spent the majority of the game playing in the midfield and was on numerous occasions the catalyst in setting up most attacks from the half back line. Davey found his place in the side quickly and will be a very suitable inclusion whenever he is able to play for the Roosters.
Along with Davey, Anthony Bonaddio and Alex Gleeson played key roles for West Preston-Lakeside in the midfield providing first use of the ball from the clearances, while Nathan Valladares proved serviceable down back.
Heidelberg has beaten teams sitting third to sixth on the ladder and gets its chance to beat another finals contender in Montmorency at Montmorency Park in Round 8. Should it win away from home, it will head into the Queen’s Birthday break undefeated.
West Preston-Lakeside travels up to the Whittlesea Showgrounds to face the Eagles, who will be eager to notch their first win of the season after fading late against Eltham on Saturday.
Final score: Heidelberg 13.8 (86) def West Preston-Lakeside 9.11 (65)
