NORTH Heidelberg cemented second position on the Division 2 ladder with a comfortable 40-point victory over Diamond Creek in Round 9.
The Bulldogs outclassed and outmuscled the Demons all day to record a 15.7 (97) to 8.9 (57) victory at Shelley Reserve.
Shane Harvey was in fine form and booted four goals, while Brody Tardio and Daniel Bramich both kicked two majors for the match.
North Heidelberg may have led for the majority of the day, but it was an electrifying start to the third term which all but ended the Demons hopes of a comeback.
Already leading by 25 points at half time, the Bulldogs kicked four-straight goals to start the third quarter, while the Demons could only cut the deficit through behinds.
Midfielders Kyle McDonald, Matthew Mahony and Lachlan Evans, along with ruckman Michael Florance were regarded as the North Heidelberg’s best players.
Their centre work helped the Bulldogs apply plenty of pressure to the Demons defence throughout the day.
While North Heidelberg’s fourth successive win staked its claim as a genuine premiership contender, Diamond Creek didn’t play to the standards it has shown during the early parts of this season.
Poor disposal efficiency and inaccuracy in front of goal cost the Demons and frustrated senior coach, Craig Hayes.
Fans could hear Hayes during the match, pleading with his players to use their smarts to find a way through the Bulldogs defensive pressure.
Unfortunately for Hayes and the Demons, they were unable to do what they were instructed and suffered their fourth defeat of the season, and third loss from their past four starts.
Jai Norman and Wade Lowrie both kicked two goals for the Demons, while Chris Moloney on the wing and Tim Chapman at centre half back had solid games.
The opening quarter was evenly contested and both sides exchanged the lead on numerous occasions, until debutant Liam McLeod and Shane Harvey converted consecutive goals to give the Bulldogs a 13-point lead at quarter time.
On occasions Diamond Creek appeared the better side in the second term, but inaccuracy in front of goal saw the Demons kick only 1.3 for the term. Up the other end, the Bulldogs converted three goals and headed into half time with a 25-point lead.
The third quarter went in favour of the Bulldogs who kicked four goals in the first half of the term. Brody Tardio kicked his first goal of the game within the opening minute of the quarter to give his side a dream start.
With only pride to play for, Diamond Creek gave more of an effort in the final term.
After North Heidelberg’s Josh Iezzi kicked the first goal of the quarter the Demons kicked three of the next four goals to make their final score look respectable.
North Heidelberg will look to continue its fine form this week when it comes up against bottom-placed Thomastown, while Diamond Creek hosts second-bottom Lalor – a side it lost a five-point thriller to back in Round 3.
Final score: North Heidelberg 15.7 (97) def Diamond Creek 8.9 (57)
