Cometh the moment, cometh the man, as a Brent Harvey-inspired third quarter guided North Heidelberg to an opening round victory over Diamond Creek.
Fans flocked to Shelley Reserve to see the AFL games record holder play his first match for the Bulldogs and they were not disappointed, as Harvey racked up 29 disposals and kicked three goals in North Heidelberg’s 13.10 (88) to 9.5 (59) victory.
Boomer’s performance epitomised the Bulldogs form, as both the star man and the team struggled in the opening half, before putting on a show in the second.
Diamond Creek was the superior team in the opening half and its pressure and ball use around the ground was a standout.
The Demons were led by Hugh Kavanagh and Chris Moloney, who set up many of the Demons attacking play off half-back.
Up forward the Demons have a new star in Jess Cosaitis. The former Bonnie Doon forward kicked two goals in the first half and was an imposing key forward.
North Heidelberg was completely overrun in the opening term.
Kicking against the wind and with their marquee man unable to break the shackles, the Bulldogs relied on the wise head of Shane Harvey to keep them in the game.
Harvey may have kicked 950 goals in his career but very few have been as exceptional as his 50-metre torpedo goal after the quarter time siren.
While much of the attention was on his older brother, the Bulldogs legend proved he is still one of the most dangerous players in the league, kicking North Heidelberg’s first three goals to single handedly keep his side in the contest.
Diamond Creek had all the momentum until a red card to Josh Lorey midway through the second quarter resulted in a goal to Brent Harvey.
At half time the Bulldogs trailed by eight points and were preparing to kick against the breeze.
While Diamond Creek was expected to increase its lead, it was a rampaging North Heidelberg who put a stop to their chances.
The Bulldogs played on at every opportunity and the quick ball movement created plenty of space for their forwards.
Bulldogs coach Stephen Saddington moved Brent Harvey to full forward and the decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the former North Melbourne star accumulated 11 possessions, kicked two goals and assisted in numerous others.
The Bulldogs kicked six third quarter goals and held Diamond Creek scoreless to set up the victory.
Rain made the final term a congested contest, which worked in the Bulldogs favour to seal a 29-point victory.
The Harvey brothers may get all the accolades but the Tardios were just as influential.
Jesse was a pillar in midfield and was arguably the Bulldogs best player in the opening half, while Brody, at the age of 18, looks set to take A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 by storm this year.
South Australian Adam Braendler also had a stellar first game for the Bulldogs. In the mould of a Matthew Richardson or Nick Riewoldt, Braendler is a key forward playing on the wing, but can easily go into attack and become a match winner.
Final score: North Heidelberg 13.10 (88) def Diamond Creek 9.5 (59)
