Dale Nolan kicked eight goals while emerging star Justin Powick snagged five in an awesome display as the Tigers romped to a 20.14 (134) to 8.7 (55) victory.
After Macleod led by a point at quarter time, the visitors piled on 15 of the final 18 goals of the match to earn a healthy percentage booster.
Following three tight wins in the opening three games, Heidelberg could do no wrong after the first break as it atoned for a shock loss to the Kangaroos on this ground in Round 17 last year – a result which cost the Tigers first place on the 2011 ladder.
Powick was instrumental in setting up an early lead as he kicked four goals in the first half, including three in the space of five minutes midway through the opening term.
His early goals were of vital importance with Macleod looking solid in the first quarter, where it kicked five goals.
He sharked packs with intensity and continually put himself in dangerous positions. His ability to chase and lay important tackles was also a highlight and he has now firmly entrenched himself in Heidelberg’s starting lineup.
Dale Nolan kicked all his eight goals after quarter time and put on a clinic in the final term when he took four marks inside 50m and kicked four consecutive goals.
His brother Danny put his head over the football all day and won plenty of contested ball, while evergreen skipper Blair Harvey racked up countless disposals out wide and continues to amaze with his durability.
Michael Finn dominated in the ruck and stood a kick behind the play all day – intercepting countless Macleod forays forward and giving his defence a helping hand.
Early in proceedings Macleod looked a genuine chance of causing a boilover as its midfield and forward line held an early ascendency.
Nick Lynch kicked two and worked well in the forward half with returning star Cathal Corr, while Ryan Harris and John Andrew were industrious in the midfield and helped establish the Roos’ quarter time lead.
But once the rain started to fall it was Heidelberg’s bigger bodies who began to dominate the game.
The Tigers kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to open up a healthy 26-point lead at half time.
Macleod had the chance to stay within touching distance at the main break, however Lynch missed two basic chances in front of goal which proved costly as Dale Nolan and Allan Young kicked goals just prior to the siren.
The home side knew the importance of early goals in the second half, but it was Heidelberg who got the fast start as Powick crumbed superbly to Nolan for the opening goal two minutes after the restart.
The Kangaroos failed to register a score in the third term as Heidelberg piled on a four majors to head into three-quarter time with a match winning 53-point lead.
Despite a tough match up with Montmorency awaiting next week, the Tigers refused to take their foot off the pedal and kicked six goals in the final term.
Winless after a month of football and sitting at the foot of the Division 1 table, Macleod now treks to Eltham Central Park for a clash with the fifth-placed Panthers.
Final score: Macleod 8.7.55 def by Heidelberg 20.14.134
