A second half blitz enabled North Heidelberg to take out the Division 2 reserves premiership over Mernda at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were heavy favourites coming into the match but only led by four points at half time. However, the tough start was the wake-up call the Bulldogs needed as they went on to win 15.8 (98) to 10.8 (68) to walk away with the premiership.
North Heidelberg had been the most dominant side throughout the season, losing only one game on its way to the flag.
The Demons finished second and it was fitting they made it to the big dance. They certainly make the most of the opportunity, giving the Bulldogs a run for their money in the first half, but later succumbed under intense pressure.
North Heidelberg drew first blood as Kane Massey goaled after five minute of contested play. The Dees replied instantly however through Rhys Lawrence to tie proceedings.
Some free-flowing footy played the path for the majority of the term with the Doggies doing most of the attacking.
However, against the run of play, Josh Delaney earned a 50m penalty and capitalised for Mernda to gain a five-point buffer with minutes remaining.
But as the Dees were finding their feet, the Bulldogs replied as Massey kicked his second just before the quarter time siren rang out, with North leading by a point at the first break.
The opening five minutes of the second quarter was dominated by Mernda and it was fitting it got the first goal, with Travis McCrea converting to snatch back the lead. Colin Ribbons was able to follow as the Dees got two in quick succession.
Despite Mernda controlling much of the quarter, the Bulldogs finished the term the better as late goals to Massey and Michael Celestin handed North Heidelberg a four-point lead at half time.
Upon the restart Delaney was able to put Mernda back in front, giving his team a perfect start with his second goal.
But that was about the last the Dees saw of their goals for the majority of the quarter as the Dogs went on a rampage, kicking the next seven goals in succession to race out to a 40-point lead with five minutes remaining in the third term.
Ribbons booted his second for the match and Mernda’s second of the term to end North’s reign of dominance, but Massey kicked his fifth after the siren to give the Bulldogs a 38-point lead going into the final term.
The Dogs picked up from where they left off early in the final quarter, booting the next three goals, including Massey’s sixth, to put the result beyond doubt.
The Dees rallied late in the game and kicked the final four goals but it was all too late as the Dogs recorded a 30-point win.
North Heidelberg midfielder Justin Bentley was awarded the best on ground medal and was closely followed by Massey and Sean Kelly who booted three goals and was a presence through the middle.
Mernda’s best in defeat were Jake Lemin, Nicholas Avenoso and Michael Aparo.
Final score: North Heidelberg 15.8 (98) def Mernda 10.8 (68)
