Northcote Park have returned to the winner’s list in MC Labour Division 2, overcoming Thomastown by 16 points at Bill Lawry Oval.
The hosts led by just two points at three-quarter time before kicking away in the final term, eventually going on to triumph 10.11 (71) to 8.7 (55).
After an impressive start to the season, the Cougars forward duo of Damon Marcon and Alexander Boyse starred again, kicking six of the team’s ten goals between them.
They delivered brilliant and repeat service inside 50 from their midfield group, with Christopher Clark persistently winning the hard-ball before always providing a calculated kick to his attackers.
For Thomastown, Daniel Caruso’s defensive maturity shone brightly on many occasions. In a match where the Bears would struggle to break out of their defensive 50, his pace and decision-making proved to be a momentum changer for his side.
From the first bounce, the significance of the match was reflected in its intensity. With each team beginning the season with a modest 2-2 record, both came out of the gates determined to get some consistency into their year.
The ball transitioned fast from one end to the other, continually being turned over by spoils and over-ambitious kicks forward.
It took 10 minutes for the scoring hiatus to end, with Marcon’s set shot lifting the deadlock. Just moments later Boyce found space in a ball-up 30 metres out from goal, snapping through the Cougars’ second major of the match.
2022 Team of the Year ruck Jarryd Coulson then drifted forward, using his physical presence to setup Aaron D’Angelo, who comfortably slotted the Bears first goal of the game.
The high-pressure first term was highlighted in the inaccuracy of both teams, with Northcote Park leading 2.5 (17) to 1.2 (8).
With quick possessions the theme of the match, the Cougars were led by their captain Matthew Perry who demonstrated continued poise in midfield and defence. His willingness to transition the ball fast ensured his team could break through Thomastown’s structure.
After Northcote Park kicked the first two goals of the term, late snaps by Anthony Bradford and Bill Samie ensured the Bears kept in touch with the scoreboard.
As the half-time siren sounded, the Cougars led by 10 points.
With clean possession hard to come by for both sides, each team was bolstered by individual moments of brilliance.
Rory Patterson’s valiant effort in midfield was rewarded, as he won a contested ball before snapping it amongst a crowd of Thomastown defenders.
Moments later, Benjamin Nesci kicked what seemed like it would be the best goal of the day. From the 50 metre arc, his inside of the foot snap teased the left goal post before swerving back towards goal.
The rejuvenated Thomastown fans cheered excitedly from the opposite end of the ground, knowing their side was within reach of a much-needed victory.
However, Damon Marcon responded with a brilliant checkside finish from a set shot in front of the grandstand. On his right foot, the ball navigated through the tight-angle and prompted a double fisted celebration. Directly after that, his goal-kicking partner Alexander Boyse would score another major.
Yet in a game of momentum swings, Thomastown would answer these goals with two of their own and as a result, got themselves to within two points of the hosts.
Despite an early tussle, it would be Northcote Park that emerged as the dominant team in the last term.
Goals from Marcon and Patterson put the Cougars well ahead before a captain’s goal from Matthew Perry ensured his team would take home the four points.
A late major from Anthony Bradford could not reinvigorate the Bears, as Northcote Park held steady to claim a 16-point victory.
