MACLEOD bounced back from its Anzac Day defeat with a hard-fought win over Northcote Park at De Winton Park in Round 4 of Meadows Greyhounds Division 1.
The 12.24 (96) to 10.6 (66) result improved the Roos’ record to 3-1 in its premiership defence, while the Cougars slipped to seventh place on the ladder following a 2-2 start.
The reigning premier had the game played on its terms for the majority of the day, though wayward kicking and inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Cougars within touch all day.
Macleod was well served by midfielders Liam Brandt, Hamish Paynter and Jack Bianchin, who were all influential in their side’s 30-point win.
The trio thrived on the ruck dominance of Chris Long and Jake Chiminello, who competed hard all day.
In contrast, Northcote Park had few clear winners and was heavily reliant on captain and dual Frank Rosbrook medallist Bronik Davies, who collected plenty of the ball in the contests.
Julian Violato and Nik McNiece were also prominent for the Cougars, with Violato among his side’s best players for the fourth consecutive week.
Reid Brandt, Nick Lynch and Lucas Hobbs were dangerous prospects up forward for the Kangas, while Brody Ricardi, Ricky Fandrich and Mitch Papas were among the multiple goal kickers for the Cougars.
Northcote Park made a positive start to the game, with Ricardi kicking the first goal from a set shot.
Reece Geary enjoyed plenty of possession in the first quarter and kicked the first goal for the Roos against the run of play.
After dominating for a period of the first term, Macleod was unable to hit a target going forward against the wind, and further goals to McNiece and Ricardi extended the Cougars’ margin.
Hamish Paynter was able to convert a set shot after the siren to keep Macleod within one point at the first change of ends.
Macleod completely outplayed Northcote Park in the second quarter, however was unable to cash in on the scoreboard, registering 13 scoring shots for a total of three goals and 10 behinds.
Trailing by 20 points at half time, Northcote Park came out firing in the third term with Fandrich kicking two goals in quick succession.
A Reid Brandt goal gave Macleod some breathing space, however Northcote Park’s neat ball use in the third term had a comeback beckoning.
The Cougars’ defenders, led by Violato, were providing heavy run and carry to help surge their side forward, and late goals to Ricardi and Jacob Mitchell helped the visitors bring the margin back to just two points at three quarter time.
The tackling pressure from both sides in the final term was immense and any possession gained had to be earned.
After a very contested early part of the quarter, Fandrich broke the deadlock when he was able to break off half back and kick a long goal from outside the arc, giving the Cougars the lead momentarily.
However, it was all downhill from there on for Northcote Park, as the Liam Brandt-led Macleod put its foot down in the final 20 minutes.
The home side kicked five unanswered goals in a clinical display of football to run away with the four points.
Macleod next heads to War Memorial Park to take on Greensborough for the first time since last year’s grand final, while Northcote Park travels to Warringal Park to take on the undefeated Heidelberg.
Final score: Macleod 12.24 (96) def Northcote Park 10.6 (66)
