SEVEN goals from Nick Lynch led Macleod to an emphatic win over Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park in Round 6.
The Roos playing-assistant was a livewire up forward on his return from injury, effortlessly weaving around his Lower opponents time and again as Macleod ran out comfortable 43-point victors.
It was the best possible response from Macleod following last week’s loss to Eltham, with the Kangaroos piling on 15 first-half goals to ensure the four points would be headed to De Winton Park.
Lynch, who kicked five of the opening 15 goals himself, said his side had been looking to set the tone early after conceding six first-quarter goals at Panther Place last weekend.
“Last week we started really slowly,” Lynch said. “There was a real focus to hit the ball real hard to start with and get away to a good start – and we did, which was pleasing.
“We wanted to move the ball forward quickly with plenty of movement from our forwards…our break and spread from stoppages was good.”
Macleod was dominant all over the ground. Jack Bianchin was excellent across half-back, whilst Shaun Melican was able to curb the influence of reigning Frank Rosbrook Trophy winner Matthew Vasilevski.
“Jack Bianchin won a lot of one-on-one contests and Shaun Melican did really well in his run-with role through the midfield (on Vasilevski),” Lynch said.
The Bears left too much to too few, however Tom Keys continued his good form from last week’s trip to Bill Lawry Oval and impressed with a strong marking display.
Patrick Flynn again stood up for Lower Plenty in the ruck, but Macleod’s ruthlessness around the stoppages rendered much of his good work useless.
The loss leaves Lower teetering at 3-3. Having lost its past two games by a combined 20 goals, it is close to 30 percent behind fifth-placed Heidelberg on the Division 1 ladder.
Macleod improves to 4-2, remaining in second place behind Greensborough and boasting the best percentage in the competition.
After both sides traded goals in an even start, Macleod suddenly put its foot on the gas and left the Bears in its wake to open up a 22-point buffer at quarter time.
Macleod’s ball movement was too slick for the Bears, who did not help themselves by conceding soft goals after twice turning the ball over exiting defence.
With Macleod looking ominous after the first two goals of the second term, Lower Plenty hit back through Matt Duckworth and Doug Morris to keep it within touching distance.
However, the Morris goal only sparked a run of six unanswered Macleod goals to establish an imposing 58-point lead with five minutes left in the second quarter.
With the lead burgeoning, a pair of late Bear goals brought the margin back to 46 points at the main break.
Morris kicked his third of the game shortly after half-time, however Macleod continued to dominate around the contest and extended the margin out to a game-high 60 points.
The Bears showed some fight however, and booted four of the last five goals of the term to enter the fourth quarter with some momentum.
Matt Barden reduced the deficit to six goals early in the last quarter, but a Reid Brandt goal took the wind out of the Bears’ sails.
The Roos return home next week to face an improved Northcote Park in a battle for second place, whilst Lower Plenty hosts Heidelberg in what looms as a crucial game for both sides after successive losses.
Final score: Lower Plenty 14.10 (94) def by Macleod 21.11 (137)
