Diamond Creek moved a game and percentage clear in second spot with an impressive win over North Heidelberg in Round 8 of Division 2 action.
The Demons put the game out of reach with six unanswered goals in a 15-minute spree during the third quarter, before going on to win 14.10 (94) to 8.9 (57).
The onslaught included an extra gift goal to Rikki Stephens who swooped on a loose ball to kick a major. Bulldog Ali Assi was then yellow-carded for dissent and Stephens goaled from the free before the ball went back to the centre.
They also had a purple patch either side of quarter time when they booted four in a row – during which Luke Simpson slotted three of his six majors.
The Dogs’ endeavour was excellent, but they were outgunned on the day. Diamond Creek transferred the ball more smoothly and often found players in metres of space.
Conversely, North Heidelberg turned the ball over too much and often had trouble getting the ball past half forward where Ryan Burrell and others repelled many attacks. They were also a man down for the second half after Trent Scannell limped off.
Their dominant Creeker midfield was ably led by Andrew Owen, who has played in defence for the most part of the season, and Bradley Craig. Chris Moloney’s ability to find space and hit teammates with pinpoint passes set up multiple scoring chances in their period of dominance, while under-19 player Mitch Johnson was lively.
Late in the third stanza, Leigh Gray put extra numbers in defensive 50m for the Dogs. He also moved Luke Villanti into the ruck, while Wafa Zaza and the slightly injured Owen Donaghey-Arrowsmith spent time on the bench. It slowed the Diamond Creek avalanche of goals. But because it also gave them overlap run, the plan was continued for the remainder of the game.
The Dogs outscored the Creekers by four goals to two thereafter, but the game had already slipped away. The Creeker players didn’t use the ball too well when kicking into 50 in the final term and allowed the Dog defence to clear the ball easily.
Bulldog player Michael Celestin improved as the game progressed and was often the get-out target at half back.
Shane Harvey spent most of this time deep in defence where he racked up possessions and set up attacks. His biggest highlight was his second-quarter kick off the ground from 25m out on the boundary. It rolled straight through the big sticks – much to the delight of Dog fans.
The best coaching move from the Dogs was giving Justin Bentley a minding job on the dangerous Brent Gutterson. He managed to quell Gutterson’s influence and also get his fair share of possessions. Daniel Bramich saved the day over and over in defence with contested marks and strong work at ground level.
Bulldog coach Leigh Gray noted that a 15-20 minute period virtually cost them the game. He said he was looking for a full two-hour performance after the Queen’s Birthday break.
David Calthorpe labelled the Demons’ win their most consistent performance under his reign. He noted that he is looking towards the team keeping their consistency levels up in the run home.
Final score: Diamond Creek 14.10 (94) def North Heidelberg 8.9 (57)
