NORTHCOTE PARK produced an impressive second half display to earn a crucial win over Heidelberg at Warringal Park in Round 9.
Despite failing to kick a goal until midway through the second term, ten majors after half time enabled the Cougars to run out 36-point victors in the 13.14 (92) to 8.8 (56) result.
Northcote Park now improves to 5-4 and moves into third position on the Division 1 ladder, ahead of Heidelberg on percentage.
Heidelberg’s inability to score is costing it games, with the Bergs now failing to score more than 80 points in five of the past seven matches.
The victory is the Cougars’ first over the Tigers since the 2012 Grand Final and broke a four-year drought at the Bergs’ Warringal Park fortress.
Senior assistant coach Russell Humphrey said that the Cougars’ poise after half time played a key role in the win.
“I was pleased by our composure,” Humphrey said.
“We started off fumbling and not very clean, but after half time our composure with the footy and our decision making was a lot better.
“It’s fantastic for the footy club to win a game here (at Warringal Park) … it’s hard to win here so to get a win is fantastic for us.”
The Cougars’ defensive unit, led by Ben McNiece, Julian Violato and playing-coach Harmit Singh, was exceptional.
McNiece’s run and ball use proved vital after half time, whilst Violato limited dangerous Tiger forward Jordan Treloar to just one goal in a commanding display.
Northcote Park youngster Lachlan Boscarini was similarly impressive with his hardness at the ball, tackling with hunger and ferocity.
Tiger stalwart Michael Finn battled manfully in the ruck against Oliver McEwan, however the Irishman was one of few Bergs to stand tall.
Heidelberg was impressive throughout the early stages of the contest, establishing a 16-point quarter time lead.
Struggling with the Bergs’ pressure, Northcote Park was sloppy and failed to capitalise on its chances going forward.
The Cougars were not alone in their wastefulness, as Tiger utility Paul Bower glaringly missed on the run from 20 metres out moments before quarter time.
With both sides plagued by inaccuracy, it took a classy Jake Mills snap to break the deadlock in the second term.
Northcote Park’s willingness to use the ball through the corridor paid dividends, as further goals to Koden Colman and Patrick O’Connell either side of an Allan Young snap reduced the deficit to four points at the main break.
Bronik Davies gave the Cougars the lead shortly after half time, with his effort from 35 metres shepherded through by Colman on the goal line.
Boscarini’s fierce tackling was rewarded when the 18-year-old forced a turnover on centre wing, leading to Gerard Sutton’s cool finish on the run.
Northcote Park looked to be running away with the game when Tarkyn Lockyer, Violato and O’Connell all goaled, but Will Knight pulled one back for the Bergs on the stroke of three quarter time to cut the Cougar lead to 16 points.
However, four unanswered Northcote Park goals in the last term snuffed out any hope of a Tiger revival.
The Cougars’ win sets up a critical clash with fellow 5-4 side Eltham next week at Bill Lawry Oval, whilst Heidelberg will travel to Shelley Street to face cross-town rival North Heidelberg.
Final score: Heidelberg 8.8 (56) def by Northcote Park 13.14 (92)
