Eight third-quarter goals were enough to see Mernda overrun a much-improved Heidelberg West in Round 1 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The Hawks asked many questions of the Demons, and perhaps could have led by more than 14 points at half-time had they taken more of their opportunities in the second quarter.
However, the Demons came out firing to open the third quarter, and ultimately opened up enough of a break to hold on to the victory, as well as the Les Butterworth Cup.
For all that, however, the Hawks put in a much-improved showing that will give many of their supporters plenty of hope for the season ahead on a day where they hosted many past players for the afternoon.
The Demons made the better start, kicking five of the first six goals.
Les Adams and Anthony Bradford were leading the way in midfield, winning plenty of contested ball, while Joel Carter, returning from a stint away from the game, was giving them plenty of good service in the ruck.
However, Heidelberg West fought back, kicking the last four goals of the first quarter. In the meantime, newly-appointed Mernda co-captain Daniel Bryant was sent off for striking.
The second quarter saw Heidelberg West start to take over.
New recruit Masaki Miki, Jessy Ellis and Zach Cleaver were keys to their midfield beginning to take over, while Paul Brown came off the bench to provide further drive.
The likes of Zach Tranter (three goals) were able to benefit from their delivery, and pleasingly for the Hawks, their midfield was hitting the scoreboard too, allowing them to open up their 14-point half-time lead.
Mernda’s midfield then took control in the third quarter.
Edward Mills and Jesse Owens-Draper produced big quarters, while Josh Delaney was instrumental with his drive off half-back. Additionally, first gamer Dayne Kellett showed poise beyond his 17 years, consistently getting to the right spot and contributing to many attacking chains.
At the end of it all, Matthew Campbell was the man on fire. He threw himself at many contests and generally ended up with the mark despite garnering attention from two or, at times, three Hawks. He ended up kicking five goals, while David Hutchinson contributed three.
The Dees kicked two of the first three goals of the last quarter to open up a 39-point lead, although to their credit, the Hawks kept fighting.
However, despite peppering the goals, Heidelberg West could only manage 3.7 in the last quarter, as its inaccuracy took hold.
The Hawks ultimately recording four more scoring shots than the Demons, yet went down by 21 points – the Demons kicking 16.6 (102) to the Hawks’ 11.15 (81).
Whilst obviously disappointed to lose, Heidelberg West could at least hold their heads high that they had taken the Demons all the way, having lost by 166 points in their previous encounter in Round 16 last year.
Mernda now returns to Waterview Recreational Reserve to take on Reservoir, where it will fancy its chances of starting 2-0.
Meantime, the Hawks look like they will trouble many of the competition’s top sides in 2017, and will give themselves a chance of defeating Kilmore at J.J Clancy Reserve in Round 2.
Final score: Heidelberg West 11.15 (81) def by Mernda 16.6 (102)
