FIRST quarter leads proved to be decisive in Round 1 of Division 3 football, as each team to lead at quarter time went on to win the game.
With a lot of player movement after the 2015 season, spectators gathered in large numbers to see how their teams would perform. This was the first time in Division 3 history that four games were played without a bye.
Banyule began the 2016 season in a similar vein to its debut year – with a big win over Heidelberg West. This time, the game was at Heidelberg Park.
The Bears had the game all but wrapped up by half time with a five-goal to nil lead. But they went right on with the job with a 14-goal second half to record a 113-point win. Richard Dennis claimed top spot on the goal kicking ladder with a bag of six.
The Hawks struggled after the exit of key players, including Kyl Ewart and Dan Bailey, in the off season. Aidan Young was among the Hawks’ best and booted one of his team’s three goals.
Round 1 specialist Watsonia recorded an impressive first-up win against South Morang at A.K. Lines Reserve. The Saints set up their win by outscoring the Lions against the wind in the second term. Matthew Buzinskas bagged four goals for his new club in its 32-point win.
The Patrick Chow Cup was claimed by Mernda with a 25-point win over Epping before a large crowd at its new home, Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Demons always looked likely to win, sealing the victory late in the final term.
In a difficult day for forwards, Chris Chilcott was Epping’s only multiple goal kicker with two. Aaron Willitts – returning from West Preston-Lakeside – managed a solitary goal but had chances to kick one or two more.
St Mary’s was the first NFL team to visit Kilmore and came away with a 29-point win at J.J. Clancy Reserve. After missing more than half of 2015 through injury, Burra captain Michael Costanzo was among the best in his team’s win, along with recruit Ashby Smith.
The Blues managed to recruit Nick Sheldon back from Division 1 team Bundoora in the off-season and he immediately justified his return with a polished performance.
Round 2 action sees a great match-up between the very impressive first round winners Banyule and Watsonia at R.J. Brockwell Oval.
The Bears’ 2015 season began to unravel at this time of year. They had an untimely bye in Round 2 – which halted their momentum – and then went on a five-game losing streak. They improved thereafter but were not able to bridge the gap on the top four.
Conversely, the Saints flew out of the blocks and won their first four games. The Bears may, perhaps, start favourites here with the home ground advantage.
Kilmore travels for the first time in the NFL. The northern-most team in the league travels down the highway to tussle with Epping at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Both teams will be looking to get onto the winners’ board in this battle of the Blues after losing by similar margins last week.
Fans and tipsters will have a better feel for where Kilmore sit in the pecking order after it has played the 2015 grand finalist. Epping would be favoured to open its account at its home ground.
Heidelberg West travels to Whatmough Park to tackle St Mary’s. The Hawks solitary win last season was a home victory over the Burra.
Despite the fact the Hawks have typically matched up well on St Marys, Con Borg’s team will be highly fancied at home to make it two and zip.
South Morang held top spot on the ladder for most of 2015 but lost both finals after injury problems. Having lost to Watsonia last weekend, the Lions will be desperate to get on the winners’ list when they host neighbours Mernda at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
But Mernda – down from Division 2 – will be equally keen to keep its winning record intact. The last time these teams met was in a Division 2 clash. No doubt both will be keen to be the first one to be promoted again.
