Heidelberg continued its good form heading into the finals, accounting for Eltham by 63 points at Warringal Park in Round 18.
The Tigers played a great team game, culminating with seven multiple goal kickers in the 20.15 (135) to 11.6 (72) win.
The result ensured the Tigers finished in third spot on the Division 1 ladder and earned a double chance in September. Despite the heavy loss, the Panthers snuck into the top five by half a game courtesy of Macleod’s draw with Greensborough at De Winton Park.
Heidelberg coach Ryan Smith highlighted his team’s pressure, particularly in the first half, as a key in setting up the win.
“I think we played as good as we have played for three quarters, whether or not that’s enough to get us across the line next week we don’t know,” he said.
“We know if we get the ball in the right areas in the forward line we’re probably going to kick a winning score.”
Looking for a fourth successive win, Eltham came out of the blocks hard and kicked the first goal. However, Heidelberg was able to shut down the visitors from there and kept them goalless for the rest of the quarter.
The Tigers were able to hold the ball in their forward half for the majority of the term but couldn’t convert their chances – kicking a wayward 2.6 to go into the first change with a 10-point lead.
They were able to come out with the same ferocity in the second quarter, kicking two of the first three majors before Eltham put the clamps on.
But just as the Panthers looked like they were settled, the Tigers’ onslaught began – kicking the next four goals within the space of seven minutes.
Going into the second half facing a 40-point deficit and desperately needing to reduce the bleeding, the Panthers fought back to kick four goals to Heidelberg’s one in the third quarter.
They had the momentum going into the final term and, with the margin back to 24 points, it looked as though they could almost run over the top of the Tigers.
Heidelberg had other ideas though and hit the scoreboard twice in the opening minutes of the last term with goals to returning duo Rhys Healey and George Nabbout.
Eltham was then gifted its first goal for the quarter after receiving a 50 metre penalty, with Josh Lorey converting from the goal line.
Heidelberg turned up its intensity from there and displayed its ruthlessness, kicking five of the next six majors, including two to Justin Murphy who finished with six goals in an outstanding effort up forward.
Sean Logie came off the ground in the dying minutes clutching his shoulder and will find out the extent of the injury later in the week.
Mark Lynch continued his impressive second half of the year and was named best afield for the Tigers with an outstanding all-round game. Alongside him were Luke Hodgkin and Justin Murphy who were both able to hit the scoreboard.
For the Panthers, Gavan Connelly and Matthew Keys played solid games in a losing effort.
Heidelberg’s attention now turns to the qualifying final when it faces Bundoora for the right to then take on Montmorency. Eltham is lucky to be in the finals race and will face reigning premier Northcote Park in the elimination final.
Final score: Heidelberg 20.15 (135) def Eltham 11.6 (72)
