North Heidelberg made a winning start to a new era under Jason Heatley, proving too good for Macleod in a 40-point victory in Round 1 of Meadows Greyhounds Division 1.
The Bulldogs slammed on four goals in the opening eight minutes to race to a 26-point lead and held sway all day in the 15.11 (101) to 9.7 (61) triumph at Shelley Reserve.
Macleod challenged during the second term and cut the deficit to eight points, however the Bulldogs responded with nine of the next 11 goals to take a match-winning 51-point advantage into the last change.
Jesse Tardio put on a masterclass in the middle of the ground and had best on ground honours sewn up by half time.
The star midfielder was a prolific ball winner and was particularly dominant around the stoppages.
He capped an outstanding first half with a late goal to hand the Bulldogs an 18-point lead at the main break. The major in time-on seemed to deflate the visitors, who had worked tirelessly to get back into the contest during the second term.
Shane Harvey finished with four majors to take his career tally for the Bulldogs to 994. He could have kicked several others on the day, but unselfishly dished off to teammates in closer positions.
Harvey enjoyed a great battle with Macleod defender Ned McKeown – with both players among their side’s standout performers on the day.
Anthony Daw impressed in his first game for the Bulldogs in an absorbing ruck battle against Macleod’s star recruit Patrick Flynn.
Daw had the upper hand in the opening stages of the match and was influential in feeding the Bulldogs’ on-ball division to set up the early lead.
Corey McKay and Billy Hogan (three goals) also enjoyed strong outings for the victors, while Charles Le Fanu was solid in defence and showed he will be an outstanding acquisition for the Bulldogs, after crossing from Northcote Park.
Jake McSwain made a positive start in new colours, booting two goals in the opening eight minutes to send North Heidelberg on its way, while young recruit Curtis Howden-Crhak showed signs he will be a player of the future for North Heidelberg.
Howden-Crhak produced the highlight of the day with a huge mark in his attacking goal square during the second term, which he duly converted.
On a tough day for his side, Ned McKeown was exceptional in defence in his return to Macleod after spending the 2019 season with North Albury.
McKeown curtailed many dangerous North Heidelberg forward 50 forays and his ball use from defence was at its usual lofty heights.
Patrick Flynn worked his way into the contest and often followed up his work in the ruck with a strong presence at ground level.
James Condello and Hamish Paynter toiled hard through the midfield, Patrick Martin managed three goals on a difficult day for Macleod’s forwards, while Rhys Rigoni kicked two in his first game for the club.
Already without Lucas Hobbs, Brad Leggett, Anthony Doherty and Kurt Manuel, Macleod’s defeat was made worse by injuries to Shane Doherty, Liam Wanders and James Traianou. All three were forced out of the game by midway through the third term.
Doherty had been a dangerous presence in attack for Macleod and kicked two classy goals to the northern end before suffering a hamstring injury.
With a blowout beckoning at three-quarter time, the undermanned Roos did well to fight the game out – booting three goals to one in the final term to cut the margin from 51 points back to 40.
Final score: North Heidelberg 15.11 (101) def Macleod 9.7 (61)
NORTH HEIDELBERG
Goal Kickers: S. Harvey 4, B. Hogan 3, J. McSwain 2, J. Mapleson, B. Hirt, J. Tardio, C. Howden-Crhak, B. Bailey, J. Crosbie
Best Players: J. Tardio, S. Harvey, C. McKay, A. Daw, B. Hogan, J. Parkinson
MACLEOD
Goal Kickers: P. Martin 3, R. Rigoni 2, S. Doherty 2, R. Brandt, J. Condello
Best Players: P. Flynn, N. McKeown, J. Condello, H. Paynter, R. Rigoni, J. Lucente
