A look ahead to Round 4 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The top-four teams all made big statements on the field in Round 3 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football.
“We are ready” shouted a more physically mature St Mary’s, with a commanding 50-point win against Kilmore in a battle of the unbeaten teams at Whatmough Park. At this early stage, the Burra looks to be the team to beat for the flag.
“We are looking to play finals in 2018” was the Mernda message with a 31-point victory over Laurimar at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The contest was still in the balance until the Demons pulled away with a four-goal to one final term.
Matthew Campbell continued his outstanding season for Mernda, while Jesse Owens-Draper booted three majors. Ex-Hurstbridge player William Ratje excelled for Laurimar.
“Write us off at your peril” said South Morang. The Lions thrashed Lalor by a massive 148-points at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. A week earlier at the same ground in wintry conditions, a total of eight goals were booted for the match. The Lions eclipsed this in the first term alone.
Luke Shelton kicked eight goals with five to emerging youngster Samuel Indian helping the Lions to a tally of 29 majors. James Hewson and Daniel Caruso also stood out.
“I don’t think we should be underestimated,” South Morang coach Gary Hall said.
“Our best football is yet to come.”
The Bloods would’ve fancied their chances of an upset, but coach Dean Grainger was extremely disappointed in what his team was able to deliver. “You will not see another performance like that,” he said.
“That’s what we are capable of” would be the statement from Panton Hill. The Redbacks played the season’s first twilight game at A.E. Cracknell Reserve and came away with a whopping 109-point win over Heidelberg West.
The weather was conducive to the late start. It was a similar story for the Panton Hill under-19s team who played a 7pm home game the previous evening.
A six-goal haul from Matthew Byron (cousin of 2017 coach Joffa Byron) highlighted the win. The game was a stark contrast to Byron’s Round 1 experience when he injured his shoulder in the opening minutes.
The Hawks’ Alex Purtell performed better on the other Redback tall target in Rhys Boyden – who finished with three majors. Brad Moore was a stand-out for Heidelberg West. Justin Bentley returned from injury via the reserves and acquitted himself well.
“Our trademark is contested possession and we were beaten in that area today,” Hawks coach Gary Cutler said.
The big win moved Panton Hill into fourth spot – ahead of Kilmore on percentage. Coach Steve Layt was pleased with the Parks brothers work and also how well Brent Ryan and Mitch Anderson directed traffic from defence.
“We are tracking in the right direction in terms of learning to play together – ticking all the boxes.” he said. Panton Hill now has the bye.
In Round 4 action, Reservoir comes off its bye to host an in-form South Morang at Crispe Park. The Lions would hope to use this game to consolidate second spot on the ladder.
It would be a huge upset if the Mustangs could win this one. They lost the corresponding match at this venue last year by 103 points.
Lalor hosts Kilmore at Lalor Reserve. Both teams are coming off losses, but the Blues have shown better form in their early rounds than the Bloods.
Lalor would be expected to improve dramatically on their horror loss last week, but the visitors would be highly favoured to take the chocolates.
Heidelberg West has to wait until now to play at home – against Mernda at Heidelberg Park. These teams met twice in 2017, with the away team winning each time.
The Hawks would need to show marked improvement on its early season form to have a chance this time, but may be better second up off the bye. But the Demons current form is superior to that of last year and will be expecting a victory.
The all-conquering St Mary’s travels to Laurimar Reserve to clash with Laurimar. The Power is yet to even get close to the Burra in two encounters.
St Mary’s is expected to be a hot favourite this time; however, Laurimar was one of the better performed losing teams last weekend and will be hoping to match it with the league-leader.
