A NICK Lynch goal in the dying moments of the game lifted Macleod to a heart-stopping win over Northcote Park in a bruising clash at De Winton Park in Round 7.
With less than two minutes left, Lynch was held without the ball and kicked truly from close range to ensure the Roos escaped with a nail-biting four-point victory, in a 11.4 (70) to 9.12 (66) result.
Amazingly, the result is Macleod’s first single-digit victory during coach Garry Ramsay’s time in charge. Ramsay was pleased to have broken the duck after failing to win 13 previous games decided by less than ten points.
“We’ve lost so many close games, so to finally win a close game is just fantastic,” Ramsay said.
Macleod appeared to be waltzing away to a comfortable win when its slick ball movement ensured it held a commanding 22-point lead at quarter time.
However, the Cougars did not throw in the towel and hit the front for the first time midway through the final term through Mitch Papas (three goals) before Lynch iced the game.
Had it not kicked a string of behinds leading up to the Papas goal, Northcote Park could easily have headed back to Bill Lawry Oval with the four points.
Ramsay admitted his side was fortunate to walk away with its fifth win of the season.
“We were lucky,” Ramsay said. “I thought we were outplayed for parts of the game…we stuck in there well and whilst it wasn’t our greatest day we slugged it out.”
Lucas Hobbs was exceptional through the midfield for Macleod, dominating around the stoppages and instrumenting countless thrusts forward.
Young tall Jack Langford was also important for the Kangaroos, finishing with three goals in an impressive display.
Julian Violato and Harmit Singh both stood tall for the Cougars in defence; Singh in particular took two strong marks under immense pressure in the frantic last quarter.
Northcote Park remains in third position on the Division 1 ladder despite the loss, a game shy of Macleod who is now outright second after Eltham’s home loss to Bundoora.
The Roos had Northcote Park on the back foot immediately as Langford goaled after Hobbs’ clearance from the opening bounce.
Macleod kicked the next three goals and continued to dominate thereafter in scenes reminiscent of its win last week against Lower Plenty, to enter the first change well on top.
The Cougars responded well after quarter time, with Brock McLennan playing a key role in back-to-back Northcote Park goals.
Northcote Park began to move the ball with greater speed and accuracy. A pair of Luke Svarc goals coupled with Ashleigh Close’s post siren set shot ensured the Cougars entered half time trailing by just a solitary point.
Play descended into a dour struggle throughout the second half, as desperation around the stoppages increased to create a finals-like atmosphere.
Matthew Yarwood and Michael Sayers pushed Macleod’s margin out to 13 points, however Northcote Park refused to go quietly and Papas was able to kick truly to cut the deficit to a single goal at the last change.
With Macleod out on its feet, Northcote Park peppered the goals until Papas finally put the Cougars ahead.
However, after 35 goalless minutes for the home side, Lynch’s major sealed the win for Macleod.
The Roos will this week travel to War Memorial Park to face Greensborough in a bumper top of the table clash, whilst Northcote Park will return home to face an improving Bundoora.
Final score: Macleod 11.4 (70) def Northcote Park 9.12 (66)
