Heidelberg West made it two from two in season 2021 with an impressive 43-point win over Mernda at Heidelberg Park in Round 2 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The 15.10 (100) to 8.9 (57) win was set up with a 10-goal to three first half and the Hawks controlled the game thereafter.
The Demons were clearly on top early but wasted early chances. They were 1.2 before Heidelberg West had even looked like scoring. But the Hawks were good late and booted three majors in the dying minutes of the term.
Heidelberg West’s Jack Marris – who booted three majors on the day – was the most dangerous forward and kicked a goal just before the quarter time siren.
All the key stats, bar the scoreboard, at quarter time had Mernda in front, so it seemed they were still in with a chance.
But three of the first four goals in the second quarter saw the Hawks skip out to a five-goal plus lead. From there, the Demons battled hard but never looked like closing the gap.
Mernda got enough of the ball through the midfield, but were not able to hit targets across half forward.
Heidelberg West had a dominant defence, led by Alex Purtell, Ben Kennan and Jake Chiminello. And they were more precise than their opponents with their movement of the ball through the midfield.
Their multi-pronged forward set-up saw five multiple goal kickers – with ex Watsonia player Allan Young equalling Marris’ three majors.
Three-time competition best and fairest Jarred Coulson did well around the ground, as well as kicking a goal, while Daniel Offer was productive in the midfield.
“Happy with the team-first attitude, ” victorious coach Michael Missen said, who must be pleased with his team’s 2-0 start.
Josh Mazzarella gave the Demons plenty of drive off half back and began the third term scoring in style.
He grabbed the ball in the midfield, ran on with a bounce and slotted a long goal. It gave his team a faint hope, but the Hawks were soon able to reassert their superiority and win the quarter.
Recruited from Craigieburn, Jacob Austin was solid in defence for Mernda, while another Craigieburn recruit in Bryce Kimuliatis booted two up forward. Tanar Pierce was busy and finished the game full of running.
“We played a very well drilled side and we will learn a lot from it,” Mernda coach Robert Fletcher said.
Fletcher was pleased with Joshua Coe’s efforts in the ruck and Coe booted a late goal after a 50m penalty.
Mernda lost Dayne Kellett in the third quarter – who needed to be assisted from the ground.
At the final break, Fletcher urged his team to win the last term. With a total blow-out possible, the Demons did enough to comply with their coach’s request and win the final quarter three goals to two and so avoid a ten-goal plus defeat.
The loss drops Mernda out of the top four and they will look to regain that spot when they host unbeaten Laurimar at Waterview Recreation Reserve in Round 3.
Heidelberg West travels to Crispe Park to play winless Reservoir as they look to make it three straight.
Final score: Heidelberg West 15.10 (100) def Mernda 8.9 (57)
HEIDELBERG WEST
Goal Kickers: J. Marris 3, A. Young 3, H. Mozdzierz 2, Z. Tranter 2, A. Hywood 2, R. Offer, R. Lee, J. Coulson
Best Players: J. Marris, J. Coulson, D. Offer, A. Purtell, A. Hywood, B. Kennan
MERNDA
Goal Kickers: B. Kimuliatis 2, J. Coe, J. Mazzarella, R. Black, C. Roussos, W. Crouch, D. Smith
Best Players: J. Austin, T. Peirce, S. Smith, M. Evans, R. Edwards, J. Mazzarella
