Kinglake have continued their outstanding run in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 competition, proving too strong for the previously unbeaten Mernda with a 36-point victory at Kinglake Memorial Oval.
The Lakers hit the ground running with a dominant 4.5 to 0.1 first term. They extended their lead to 46-points at the main break with the visitors were barely hanging on, but the game slipped away when the margin blew out to 70-points at the last change.
The Demons were at their best in the final quarter, but it was too little, too late as the Lakers cruised in the 17.15 (117) to 12.9 (81) triumph.
“We came into the game with a focus on intensity and pressure,” Kinglake coach Andrew Fairchild said.
“The team was phenomenal in that regard early on and we maintained it throughout the game.”
Fairchild loved the work of Thomas Clarke in the ruck, he impressed around the ground and finished off his work with three goals.
The Robinson brothers also received high praise from their coach. Bailey kicked four majors, while crowd favourite Ethan booted two himself and got plenty of the footy.
Luke Hannah excelled playing a role down back and hit his targets when exiting defence, while a winning midfield saw the ball constantly being driven into the Lakers forward line thanks to industrious players such as Mason McAllister and Matthew Langford.
Often it seemed like Kinglake had more players on the ground as they regularly outnumbered their opponents around the ball. The Lakers spread well from half back and their ball movement generally looked well worthy of a finalist.
Jake McNamara kicked two first quarter goals and his first came as a result of a deft touch to the ball which trickled through the big sticks. Joining him in kicking two majors was the busy Damian Pywell.
When Mernda players did get their hands on the ball, they were often disposing of it under pressure. The margin looked like blowing out, but a seven goal to one final quarter saved their percentage from taking a big hit.
The fast finish by the Demons saw William Crouch, Riley Edwards and Billy Morrison and each register two goals.
“We were beaten by a very good footy team today,” Mernda coach Robert Fletcher said.
Fletcher was happy by the work of Chris Roussos on a wing who has had a brilliant start to the season. Jesse Guelfo and Joel Harris battled hard all day, while Dayne Kellett was solid in defence. But the Demons had few winners when the game was up for grabs.
They now go to the bye at 2-1 and although their fans will be disappointed at the loss which sees them drop to fifth spot on the table, they have played three teams which all appear to be genuine premiership hopefuls.
Kinglake travels to Lalor Reserve to play Lalor next week. Lakers fans will be eager to see how long they can keep their unbeaten run going as after playing the Bloods, they have a tougher draw with Old Eltham Collegians and Laurimar to follow.
