Macleod claimed its third big scalp of the year, and second in consecutive weeks, by defeating Heidelberg by 18 points at Warringal Park.
The Roos led at every change and never looked in doubt as they claimed a 9.7 (61) to 5.13 (43) win in gusty conditions.
Heidelberg was unable to move the ball as quickly as it would have liked, as Macleod’s defence stood strong to keep the Division 1 giants to their lowest score of the season and second successive home loss.
It was contested early as neither team was able to break the shackles. With the wind behind its back, Macleod got the breakthrough goal through youngster Reid Brandt and it was followed with a goal to Michael Sayers from a great snap.
Heidelberg responded when Aaron Crispe dished off to Daniel Kelly who went on to kick the Tigers’ first goal of the quarter.
However, Macleod continued to bring the ball cleanly into its forward line, with Brandt taking a mark a split second after the siren. Despite this, it took a seven-point lead into the second quarter.
Macleod’s early control was built on the likes of Justin White and Brad Leggett dominating the back half and Cathal Corr controlling the middle.
The Roos started the better in the second term, with Lachlan Considine kicking the opening goal. Hamish Paynter’s kick into the forward line was brought to ground by Sayers, with Considine able to crumb and stretch the lead to 13 points.
Heidelberg responded with two majors in a row, including a beauty to Jordan Treloar. The rangy forward kicked a brilliant snap goal from mid-air on the boundary line, with the wind guiding the ball through to give the home side the lead.
Macleod replied after Matt Pow marking strongly and kicked truly to regain the lead heading into the second half, easing Heidelberg’s momentum in the process.
The Tigers had the better of the term and appeared to dominate in most key indicators. However, they rued missed opportunities in front of goal as they kicked 2.6 to not take full advantage of the wind.
Leggett was the standout in defence for Macleod, taking strong pack marks and running the ball out of the back half. White assisted him in as a rebounding defender, providing the visitors with quick exit from defence.
With the wind behind it, Macleod kicked the first two goals of the third term through Daniel Nankervis and Pow. Heidelberg was getting more of the ball but Macleod was using it more effectively and taking its opportunities when they presented.
The Bergers finally got on the board through Danny Nolan, bringing back the margin to nine points nearing the end of the term. However, Pow extended Macleod’s lead back out to 15 points with the final goal of the third term.
With the rain begin to pour down and the lights switched on to overcome the darkening sky, Macleod continued its third quarter momentum into the last with Pow adding his fourth.
As the game slipped from its reach, Heidelberg answered back through Treloar to keep within two goals. The Tigers were getting their hands on the football often enough, but continued to waste their opportunities when near goal.
It proved costly as Considine took a strong mark against the flow and kicked the match sealer as Macleod went on to win by 18 points.
Leggett was by far Macleod’s best player, racking up the possessions in the back half and intercepting anything that went by him. He was backed up by Paynter and Patrick Martin, who were both influential in the middle.
Heidelberg’s best were Mark Lynch and Michael Finn, with Lynch standing strong in the backline and Finn taking it up to the Macleod midfield.
This was Macleod’s second big scalp in a fortnight after last week handing Montmorency its first loss of the season. Despite the result, the Kangaroos remain in seventh place on the ladder, a game behind fifth-placed West Preston-Lakeside who upset Bundoora in Round 15.
Heidelberg slipped to fourth spot, one game out of the top three, ahead of a road trip to Epping. The Roos next take on Eltham at De Winton Park.
Final score: Heidelberg 5.13 (43) def by Macleod 9.7 (61)
