FIVE great Division 1 games await on ANZAC Day as we acknowledge all the servicemen and women who have served in active service for our country.
Headlining the action is a blockbuster between the last two remaining unbeaten sides Heidelberg and Macleod at Warringal Park, where the winner will assume a four-point buffer atop the ladder. Both sides are in red-hot form after producing stunning wins at their home paddock in Round 2.
With Paul Bower doing as he pleased, Heidelberg romped to a 52-point home win over a Lower Plenty side which has caused the Tigers problems in recent times. Bower booted three goals and gathered possessions at will, while 19-year-old prodigy Will Knight kicked four majors for the second successive week. A five-goal to one first term helped set up the big win.
Even without key trio Cathal Corr, Kane Shaw and Brad Leggett, Macleod was able to overturn a 22-point half-time deficit to storm to a 26-point win over Greensborough. It was the second year in succession the Kangaroos have overcome a large deficit against the Boro at De Winton Park. Lucas Hobbs, Anthony Doherty and Steve Kelly – who played a key role in defence – were important in the win, while Jack Langford was a game changer when moved into the ruck in the third quarter.
Greensborough and Northcote Park meet for the Neale ‘Cowboy’ Carroll Cup and both sides are look to improve their record to 2-1 after suffering defeats last Saturday.
Six goals from Josh Grubb was the highlight in the Boro’s fadeout loss to Macleod, where uncharacteristic poor discipline proved costly at times in the second half. Grubb was supported by a physical performance from Josh Riddle, while Matthew Hyde and John Desmond were solid in defence.
Northcote Park failed to back up its impressive opening-week effort against West Preston-Lakeside, going down convincingly to Eltham. Round 1 hero Ash Close didn’t take his place in the selected side and the Cougars were slow out of the blocks and faced an insurmountable 33-point deficit at half-time. Tom Wallis impressed when moved on to the red-hot James Kroussoratis, while Joel West worked hard in his first game in green and gold.
After losing its opening two games of the season, Bundoora returns to Yulong Reserve to face sixth-placed West Preston-Lakeside. Already without influential ruckman Matthew Dennis, the Bulls tall stocks took a further hit when Luke Simpson suffered a knee injury during last week’s two-point loss at Montmorency. The positive was a strong showing from youngsters Ned McKeown (five goals), Liam Byrne, Beau Moorcroft and Dale Marshall.
West Preston-Lakeside overcome a sluggish start to outlast North Heidelberg at Preston City Oval. Recruit Aaron Willitts was best afield with four majors, while Michael Tilmouth-Turner offered great support as the Roosters booted nine goals to two after half-time to give Leigh Cole his first win as senior coach.
North Heidelberg and Lower Plenty meet for the first time since 2005, with the Bulldogs searching for their first win in their return to the top flight, while the Bears are looking to push back into the top five.
Buoyed by strong performances from Michael Florance, Pasquale Saccuzzo and Jackson Jones, North Heidelberg put in a much improved effort against West Preston-Lakeside, but wasn’t able to sustain its performance for four quarters. Trailing by two points at the main break, the Bulldogs failed to fire in the third term as their opponent piled on 5.1 to nothing to seal the contest.
Lower Plenty was never in the hunt at Heidelberg and will be out to respond after a disappointing showing. Cameron Elmore was exceptional in defence and shut down Heidelberg key forward Daniel Archer. Will Morley and Tom Keys also fought hard against the tide.
For the second successive week Montmorency hosts a twilight match, this time against Eltham – its traditional opponent during the ANZAC Day fixture.
The Magpies very nearly let a second victory escape their grasp last week, falling behind Bundoora during the last quarter after leading by six goals at half-time. Pat Fitzgerald made a strong return with four goals, while Jesse Donaldson was in the thick of everything and also finished with four majors.
After producing its best win under Mario Bandera, Eltham heads into this week’s fixture against the Magpies full of confidence. James Kroussoratis backed up his eight-goal haul with another bag of six, including four in the first term, while Anton Woods was dominant in his second game in Panthers’ colours. Chase Caulfield also continued his promising start to the year and was amongst the best players in the 43-point win.
