Feathers and fur are set to fly as Whittlesea takes on North Heidelberg to determine who will play the Fitzroy Stars in next week’s Division 2 Grand Final.
The Eagles and Bulldogs come into this game – to be played at Eltham Central Park on Saturday afternoon – following vastly differing results in the first week of finals at Lalor Reserve.
The Eagles were overwhelmed last Saturday as Fitzroy Stars kicked 11 final quarter goals to romp to a 51-point win. Andrew Fairchild kicked five goals for Whittlesea as he took his tally to 95 for the season. A similar this haul will see ‘Spider’ become the second man to kick 100 goals this season, behind his opposite number, Shane Harvey.
On Sunday North Heidelberg erased a 20-point three quarter time deficit to reel in Diamond Creek by six points. Harvey kicked three goals in the thriller, and Matt Mahony added two more, while efforts from Daniel Bramich and Luke Villanti willed the Dogs into the preliminary final.
Despite the gallant win, the Doggies mood was certainly dampened post match following a significant injury finger injury to Harvey. It appears certain he will miss the preliminary final, barring a minor miracle.
Given the nature of the three games the two sides have played this season, it is forgivable that supporters will be unsure what to expect this weekend.
Round 4 saw North Heidelberg inflict Whittlesea’s first loss for season 2013 as a six-goal to two third quarter helped the Dogs’ power away and win 18.10 (118) to 15.6 (96). Harvey kicked five goals that afternoon and was best on ground, with Leigh Gilbert contributing four goals himself, while Scott McAuliffe – a shining light last Saturday – was best for the Eagles.
The script seemed to be heading the same way five weeks later, as North Heidelberg cruised to a 68-point half time lead. However, an almighty spray from Peter Bugden saw the Eagles click into gear, kicking seven goals in the third and last quarters to snatch an extraordinary one point victory.
The winning point came right on the siren from a Luke Deards snap. Roy Dyson and Jeremy Page kicked three goals each for the victorious Eagles, while Harvey and Gilbert combined for 10 of the Dogs’ 18 goals. Justin Bentley was also one of the Dogs’ best.
The two sides’ last met in Round 15. That time it was Whittlesea who made a flyer as they shot to a 63-point lead at half time thanks to an 11-goal to two first half.
However, there would be no miracle comeback from the Dogs, as they kicked seven goals to the Eagles’ five in the second half to go down 9.7 (61) to the 16.19 (115). Co-captains Roy Dyson and Garrett Heenan set the tone for the Eagles, while Leigh Taggert was best for the disappointing Dogs’.
With no second chances up for grabs, expect this game to be fought right out to the death on Saturday afternoon.
HEAD TO HEAD IN 2013
Whittlesea holds a 2-1 advantage in matches played in 2013
Round 15: Whittlesea 16.19 (115) def North Heidelberg 9.7 (61)
Round 9: North Heidelberg 18.6 (114) def by Whittlesea 17.13 (115)
Round 4: Whittlesea 15.6 (96) def by North Heidelberg 18.10 (118)
