Round 9 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football marked the time in the season where each team has played eight games and the halfway point of the season.
Reservoir took on Epping at Crispe Park with fifth spot on the table up for grabs. The Mustangs won all four quarters narrowly and looked like sure winners, but put their foot down in the latter stages of the contest. The 23-point win made it two from two for Reservoir coach Joe Palazzolo.
“These are the games we need to win if we aim to play finals and the boys responded with a four-quarter effort,” Palazzolo said.
He praised the performance of ex-AFL player Michael Hurley who booted seven majors, then went behind the ball late and was influential. Joshua Grabowski and Justin Taylor also performed at a high level for the Mustangs, while another ex-AFL player in Bachar Houli did well off half back. The Mustangs are now a game and percentage ahead of the Blues.
“We’ve got to keep working hard,” Epping coach Brad Hollow said. He noted that Brent Macaffer had his best game for the season, while Leigh Judd, Archer Bugden, Josh Bawden and Corey Middleton also contributed significantly.
Lalor and Heidelberg West faced off at Lalor Reserve in a high-scoring affair. The Hawks jumped out of the blocks with four goals in six minutes and didn’t look like backing down, prevailing by 79 points.
Bryce Barnes booted seven goals and Waylon Davey six in the win, while Hayden Bolzon, Blake Charles and Ryan Offer each kicked two, with Offer also giving Mitch Antonello a chop out in the ruck. They also had a winning centre line led by James Condello and Michael Italia.
Although the Bloods couldn’t restrict the Hawk forwards, they managed to score regularly themselves after half time. After trailing by 66 points at the main break, they managed to concede only 13 points in the second half.
Sam Rexhepi slotted four majors, while Shannon Smith kicked three. Tristain Harrower kicked two goals in his first senior game since Round 3.
Mernda celebrated Brent Marshall’s 300th game with a 57-point win over Kilmore at Waterview Reserve. Marshall was among his team’s best players in the game and kicked two goals, his best result for the season to date.
The Blues led by nine points at the first break and were efficient in pushing their opponents wide, but the Demons took control with seven unanswered goals in the second term, finishing the job after that. Christian “Billy” Evans kicked three goals and was among the best.
“We were outplayed and outworked in vital moments of the game, which proved costly,” Kilmore coach Mick Marrett said.
Marrett named captain Chris Barton as their best, with his willingness to put his head over the ball and show the qualities of a captain.
Mason Lacorcia came back into the side for Kilmore after playing in Round 1. He was named in the best in both games, but this hit out was the first time he’s played in the same team as brothers Max and Marcus. The Blues also had teenager Lucas Chesswas debut for the side.
Ivanhoe made its first ever trip to Binnak Park to play Watsonia, with the visiting team being warm favourites.
It was the Saints who had a flying start with four goals in just over six minutes. The Hoers eventually settled into the game and kicked the final five majors of the term to lead by 8 points at the break. They extended the lead to 33 points at half time, maintaining their lead for majority of the game.
Watsonia wasn’t done though, and brilliant efforts by Seb Tarczon lifted his team. In one of the plays of the day, he received the ball at half back, took six bounces along the outer wing, ran inside fifty and slotted a goal at the 23-minute mark of the third term, to slot his third of the afternoon.
Teammate Jai Bartzis soon kicked another, quickly followed by Campbell Ritchie slotted to make it just a 16-point deficit at the last change. Ivanhoe was able to steady in the final term to secure a 29-point win and go into their bye with an undefeated start to their season. Regardless of the margin, the Saints pushed them closer than any team for the season.
“I’m proud of our young fellas and all 22 contributed,” Watsonia coach Anthony McGregor said.
McGregor loved the work of Northern Knights player Jamison Leeson who kicked two goals, and loved the contribution of Luke Lowry and Jai Bartzis.
While some Ivanhoe fans may have were expected a more dominant performance, their coach Wayne Schultz was happy to come away with the win.
“To go to the bye undefeated is a mighty effort and I’m proud of everyone at the club,” he said.
“If someone had told me before the season that we would be 8-0 at this stage, I would’ve thought they’re kidding themselves.”
Schultz was pleased with Oscar McIntyre who played in the ruck and forward. He also noted the decision-making of Connor O’Brien on the wing. Regular high performing inside midfielder in Kane Veliou also got a tick from the coach.
Ivanhoe goes into their bye a game and percentage clear on top, with Laurimar in second spot with seven victories. They’ve been joined by Mernda who are also 7-1. There’s a two-game gap between Mernda and Watsonia separating third and fourth, with Reservoir following in fifth.
Epping, Heidelberg West, Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians all sit a game and percentage behind the Mustangs. For these five sides, every game is critical as they play for finals action.
