North Heidelberg made it 11-straight games without a loss, claiming a 22-point win over Diamond Creek in the A Plus Labour Solutions top of the table clash.
In a scrappy but heated contest, it was strong defensive pressure around the ground that was the difference for the Bulldogs in the highly-anticipated game at Shelley Reserve.
The 10.13 (73) to 7.9 (51) victory moved North Heidelberg six points clear atop the ladder, with the Bulldogs firmly assuming the mantle of premiership favourite with their second win over Diamond Creek for the season.
Brody and Jesse Tardio were key contributors in the win, while Marc Lonergan and Andre Habchi also had a strong impact on the game.
After kicking 30 goals over the previous two matches, Shane Harvey added another four majors, while Leigh Gilbert continued his good form inside 50 and finished with two important goals
Diamond Creek didn’t have a multiple goal kicker for the day, although Ty Franks, Danyon Kambouris and Tim Chapman all battled manfully for the visitors.
Shane Harvey started well with an impressive contested mark and goal within the first minute of the game, before Jackson Bailey found space inside 50 to mark and goal.
It reversed the start to the previous outing between the two sides, where Diamond Creek got the early jump back in Round 1.
Before the Bulldogs could truly take the game into their own hands, the Demons used a strong wind to their advantage with both Kambouris and Chris Moloney converting long range shots at goal to bring the margin back to one point.
In a physical first term, where neither side took a backward step, a Blair Harvey goal just before quarter time gave the home side a four-point advantage at the first break.
The strong wind took a toll on the contest in the second quarter with the first goal not scored until the 13-minute mark, courtesy of in-form Diamond Creek tall Bryce Adams.
However Gilbert stood up for North Heidelberg, slotting the next two majors to put the visitors on the back foot. Shane Harvey then kicked his second goal late in the term to give the Bulldogs a handy 18-point lead at half time.
A fantastic read of the play and goal from Jesse Tardio gave North Heidelberg a great start in the third quarter, however Diamond Creek soon lifted as it looked to prevent its first loss since Round 9.
Brad Perry and Oliver Parks both found the big sticks as the visitors took advantage of North Heidelberg’s turnovers and poor kicking at goal – winning the quarter 2.3 to 1.5 to head into the final change just 14 points behind.
Despite Diamond Creek taking the momentum into the last quarter, it was North Heidelberg who took the upper hand with the game on the line.
The Bulldogs took control in the last quarter and, led by Shane Harvey, kicked three goals to two to run out comfortable 22-point winners.
North Heidelberg faces another strong test in Round 14 when it travels to Montmorency Park to take on an in-form Lower Plenty side which has won its past three matches by convincing margins.
Diamond Creek returns back home to Coventry Oval to take on Lalor, where it will aim to get back on the winners’ list to consolidate second spot on the ladder.
Final score: North Heidelberg 10.13 (73) def Diamond Creek 7.9 (51)
