HEIDELBERG remains one of only two undefeated sides in Division 1 following a comfortable win against Lower Plenty at Warringal Park in Round 2.
The Tigers led from go to woe, eventually running out 52-point victors against a disappointing Bears outfit.
Lower Plenty struggled to break down the Bergs’ defensive zone, being held to just three goals in as many quarters of football.
Heidelberg coach Craig Hunter attributed the win to his side’s typically stingy defence.
“How we worked defensively – to keep them to one goal in a half and then three goals in the first three quarters – I think set it all up for us,” Hunter said.
Heidelberg raced out of the blocks in the opening term, establishing an early 19-point advantage after kicking the first three goals of the game.
The Bergs seemed far hungrier than Lower Plenty both with and without the ball; dominating around the stoppages whilst also applying ferocious pressure whenever the Bears gained possession to regularly force turnovers.
Reigning Frank Rosbrook Trophy winner Matthew Vasilevski cooly slotted a desperately needed goal for the Bears from a tight angle, before two further Tiger goals ensured they held an ominous 22-point buffer at the first change.
Lower Plenty’s situation grew even dire when Will Knight snapped his third goal of the game in the opening minutes of the second quarter.
However, Knight’s goal was to be the lone major of the second quarter. Despite their dominance around the ground, Heidelberg left the door ajar for the Bears through wasteful kicking in front of goal.
Lower Plenty itself failed to capitalise on the Tigers’ inaccuracy, let down by some awful mistakes by foot.
Despite staring at a 30-point half-time deficit, the Bears came out after the break a different side. Heath Ayres kicked his first goal for the club and set up Doug Morris’ booming goal from the arc to cut the margin to just 17 points.
Lower Plenty continued to press, with Heidelberg suddenly finding itself on the back foot.
Jesse Smith was getting more involved on the wing, whilst Matt Barden produced an excellent tackle to deny Heidelberg a rare shot at goal.
All the good work came undone though for the Bears when late goals to Charles Gaylard and Jordan Treloar extended Heidelberg’s lead back out to 28 points heading into the last quarter.
Treloar quickly snapped his second goal after a friendly bounce evaded Vasilevski, before Nick Miller kicked his first goal since the 2011 preliminary final to put the game to bed.
A further two goals to best-afield Paul Bower extended the margin out to beyond 50 points and if not for a late flurry of goals to Lower Plenty, Heidelberg’s win would have been even greater.
Fittingly, Bower kicked the final goal of the game, capping off a powerful display which pleased Hunter.
“I think Paul Bower was fantastic,” Hunter said. “Obviously our backline, especially led by Josh Gribben and Ben Cosgriff, was excellent.”
Cameron Elmore was clearly Lower Plenty’s best, blanketing Daniel Archer in an excellent display.
The Tigers next play host to a mouthwatering ANZAC Day blockbuster against ladder-leader Macleod, with Hunter believing his side still has areas of improvement ahead of the clash.
“We look good when we move the ball quickly,” Hunter said. “However, there were occasions where we were still pretty slow with our ball movement…there is certainly a bit still to work on.”
The Bears will look to rebound against winless North Heidelberg at Shelley Street.
Final score: Heidelberg 15.10 (100) def Lower Plenty 6.12 (48)
