Greensborough once again staked its claim as the premiership favourite in Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 with a 38-point victory over North Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve.
The Boro kicked 11 goals to five during the second and third quarters to set up the 18.15 (123) to 13.7 (85) victory and remain the only undefeated side after seven rounds in the top flight.
Jack Johnston put in a trademark performance across half back, taking numerous intercept marks and using the ball superbly to set up his side and claim best on ground honours.
Led by a dominant midfield display, the visitors were able to get the ball forward early and often, resulting in another 33 scoring shots.
Greensborough coach Mick Harford was once again impressed with his team’s ability to score heavily.
“That’s been one of our changes, to be able to score heavier,” Harford said.
“That’s what we focused on in the pre-season, so to have another 33 scoring shots, even if you go 50/50 you’re kicking 16-18 goals.”
Harford’s side had seven multiple goal scorers, with Tom Bell and Brody Tickell leading the way with three majors apiece. Andrew Stellas, Ben Pannam, Zak McCubbin, Tynan Smith and Matthew Haynes all added two
Shane Harvey booted four majors for North Heidelberg, while Billy Hogan and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly slotted three and two apiece.
Despite losing star midfielder Jesse Tardio to injury pre-game, the home side burst out of the blocks, kicking three goals to one within the first eight minutes to take an early lead.
However, the Bulldogs were restricted to one fewer interchange rotation early in the day, with an injury to Luke Dowdle ending his afternoon prior to quarter time.
The Boro overcame an injury scare of their own to star midfielder Ben Fennell and kicked two late goals to take a three-point lead into the first change.
The intensity was hot early in the second term, with in-form Bulldogs midfielder Billy Hogan given a yellow card. It was the Boro who were able to keep their cool and slot two early goals through Haynes and Josh Callaway.
The Harvey brothers soon combined for two goals in a minute, however the Boro were able to regroup as Haynes kicked his second before Tynan Smith made his mark on the match.
The young forward got on the end of a great chain of kicks to dribble through a goal from the boundary line before flying high for two big marks, much to the excitement of Harford.
“Tynan had a bit of a down week last week to his own admission. I just said to him this week to go back and jump at the ball and have a bit of fun and smile,” Harford said.
“To see him take that mark in the middle, that’s what he does best so when he does that we know we’ve got his brain in the game.
“He’s a terrific kid and he’s really talented and we love having him in our team.”
The visitors kicked four goals straight before Shane Harvey kicked his third to close the gap to 24 points at the main break.
Bell got the Boro off to the perfect start in the second half, with a superb set shot from the boundary, before Tickell and Stellas kicked goals to extend the margin beyond 40 points.
The Bulldogs threatened to make a comeback, kicking two of the next three goals through Baddeley-Kelly and Hogan.
Brent Harvey ran inside forward 50 looking to add another but was wrapped up in a bone-crunching tackle by Charlie Molyneux, another effort Harford praised post-match.
“Charlie’s a great tackler. He’s just an amazing tackler, so we know that if he’s in the area it’s really difficult to get past him,” Harford said.
Damon Marcon converted a goal down the other end to give his side a 41-point lead at the final change.
Smith and Pannam added another two majors early in the last to extend the lead to a game-high 53-points, however the Bulldogs weren’t done just yet.
Three goals in the next five minutes, including long bombs from Baddeley-Kelly and Hogan had the home side looking dangerous, however a Stellas snap and Pannam set shot confirmed the victory for Greensborough.
The Boro now sit on top of the ladder in both the seniors and reserves, which Harford credits to all members of the squad buying in to the game plan.
“To be seven-zip in both teams is a real credit to the club and the players. Their effort, their concentration and commitment and their ability to enact our plan, they’ve bought in,” he said.
Greensborough will travel to Bill Lawry Oval in two weeks’ time to face Northcote Park, while North Heidelberg hosts Macleod in the standalone fixture over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Final score: North Heidelberg 13.7 (85) def by Greensborough 18.15 (123)
NORTH HEIDELBERG
Goal Kickers: S. Harvey 4, B. Hogan 3, J. Baddeley-Kelly 2, B. Harvey, J. Jones, S. Biggs, G. Assi
Best Players: D. Harris, B. Hogan, R. McGhie, M. Florance, K. McDonald, J. Jones
GREENSBOROUGH
Goal Kickers: T. Bell 3, B. Tickell 3, A. Stellas 2, B. Pannam 2, Z. McCubbin 2, T. Smith 2, M. Haynes 2, J. Callaway, D. Marcon
Best Players: J. Johnston, T. Bell, Z. McCubbin, T. Smith, J. McIvor-Clark, C. Molyneux
