Mernda scored a crucial and impressive win over Heidelberg West to retain the Les Butterworth Cup in Round 10 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
With the game in the balance at the main break, the Demons drew away with a seven-goal to one second half in the 11.13 (79) to 4.11 (35) win at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
The win moves Mernda into second place on the ladder, a game ahead of both South Morang and Panton Hill.
Used either in defence or as a swingman this year, Josh Delaney played exclusively forward and booted six majors. He booted two goals in each quarter bar the second – when Ian Fulton chipped in with two.
“Our best four-quarter effort since Round 1,” a happy Mernda coach Paul Derrick said.
The Demon defence – led by Michael Aparo, Liam Gray and Tom Deayton – was in control all day. They won most contests and created numerous stoppages to thwart opposition forward thrusts. The Hawk forwards never looked likely to spark the team into action.
Mernda ruck Anthony Talbot was given the job of quelling reigning best and fairest Jarryd Coulson. He received help from James Duclos – playing only his second game for the season.
Rohan Davies stood out as the best midfielder on the day. He got his hands on the ball a lot and used it well.
The loss dealt a severe blow to Heidelberg West’s finals chances as the Hawks now find themselves two games outside the top-four and with an inferior percentage.
Onlookers would have sensed the Demons were in control of the match, but the game was still up for grabs in the third term.
A turning point occurred midway through the quarter. Jake Chiminello took a mark within scoring distance. He moved as if to handball and thought he had not gone off his line. But he was deemed to have played on, lost the ball in a tackle and Mernda players swept the ball coast to coast for a major.
Another goal was kicked by Matthew Campbell after a 50m penalty and the lead at the last change has blown out to 27 points.
Heidelberg West needed to play for the win, so coach Gary Cutler swung the changes. He moved both Jarryd Coulson and Jake Chiminello deep forward as marking targets.
The Hawks came out with renewed energy early in the final term but gave away a goal courtesy of another 50m penalty which took Matthew Golledge to the line.
The highlight of the day came soon after. A Hawk player under pressure fired out an excellent handball to Daniel Offer, who let fly from outside 50 and the ball sailed through the big sticks.
Sadly for Heidelberg West, it was to be its only major for the term. The Hawks missed several shots and generally did not kick well enough to the twin tall targets.
Michael Celestin stood out for the Hawks. He was often the get-out link player from defence and kicked a superb goal after an intercept mark in the second term. Ryan Lee was their best midfielder, while other players drifted in and out of the game.
Heidelberg West now faces a must-win game against Lalor at Lalor Reserve. A win could put them just a game outside the top-four.
Mernda travels to Laurimar Reserve to take on the in-form Power. A win would almost clinch a finals berth for the Demons, but they also setting their sights on the double chance.
Final scores: Mernda 11.13 (79) def Heidelberg West 4.11 (35)
