Mernda kept its Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 finals chances alive with a gritty 10-point win over Heidelberg West at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
Trailing by two points at the last break, the Demons held the Hawks goalless and managed two of their own.
Nick Aleksovski booted his third on the siren to put icing on the cake in the 6.9 (45) to 4.11 (35) win. Kicking to the club room end, the locals were in raptures as he slammed through the goal from the line – courtesy of a 50-metre penalty.
Other results in Round 10 mean the Demons are only a game and a half outside the top-four, having won their past three matches.
Mernda coach Paul Derrick gleefully accepted the Les Butterworth Cup in a presentation after the game.
“The Butterworth Cup means a lot to us,” Derrick said.
“We lost it in Round 1 but rapt to win it back today. It was a courageous win. Les coached me when I played.”
As part of the celebrations, Bradley Colliss was awarded best for the Demons in his second senior game. His future looks bright. Alex Purtell was awarded best for Heidelberg West and was reliable across half back.
“It wasn’t pretty, but both sides scrapped it out,” Heidelberg West football manager Terry Doukas said. “It was a good spectacle played in great spirits.”
Goals were hard to come by – due to a combination of pressure, poor kicking up forward and both defences being on top.
The ground was in magnificent condition despite the recent rain and a few light showers during the game.
Mernda’s defence – led by Christian Cawsey who worked hard to keep Kyl Ewart from kicking a bag – controlled the game. Cawsey was given help from Tom Deayton, Riley Black and Michael Aparo.
The Demons hard to deal with difficulties to clinch the win.
Matthew Campbell took the mark of the day last weekend but was concussed by a stray football during the warm-up prior to this week’s game. Jack Moroney played a full game in the reserves and then fronted up as Campbell’s replacement.
Then they lost Josh Delaney who was concussed in the third term. Delaney was one of their best until then – with timely intercept marks and efficient ball use. Mernda had no bench in the final term but was able to make it a tough scrap and get the job done.
Anthony Bradford was prolific in the first quarter along with Brad Dimech. This helped set up a good lead for the Demons – albeit with a wasteful 2.7 to 1.1. Bradford was also going full bore late in the game when unable to come off for a rest.
It was a disappointing day for the Hawks – who would have moved back in the top-four with a win.
The Hawks dominated the middle two quarters and looked to be heading for a win late in the third term but were unable to convert time in possession into scores.
Jarryd Coulson was a standout once more in the ruck and took marks all over the ground.
Like Mernda, Heidelberg West had plenty of winners in defence. Brad Moore was excellent across half back and used the ball well. Ben Kennan continued his outstanding year down back, while Jake Grimshaw was dangerous on a wing and was instrumental in the third term.
Heidelberg West hosts Kilmore at Heidelberg Park in a crucial game for both teams in Round 11.
Similarly, Mernda has a vital game against neighbours South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. A win may put them half a game outside the top four – depending on other results.
Final score: Mernda 6.9 (45) def Heidelberg West 4.11 (35)
MERNDA
Best Players: A. Bradford, M. Aparo, B. Dimech, N. Aleksovski, T. Deayton, R. Kannegiesser
Goal Kickers: N. Aleksovski 3, R. Edwards 2, T. Sparkes
HEIDELBERG WEST
Best Players: J. Coulson, A. Purtell, J. Grimshaw, B. Kennan, M. Miki, B. Moore
Goal Kickers: K. Ewart 2, J. Coulson, J. Marris
