NORTH HEIDELBERG made the first statement of 2014, with an emphatic dismantling of 2013 beaten grand finalist, the Fitzroy Stars.
The Bulldogs were simply scintillating in their 19.11 (125) to 5.11 (41) victory over the Stars, and perhaps the most encouraging sign for the Dogs was the fact they didn’t need a huge level of Shane Harvey brilliance to spark them. Instead it was Lachlan Dowling who took over, kicking seven goals in his first game for North – outscoring the Stars’ entire score in the process. Harvey still kicked three goals, aided by Matthew Mahony who also kicked three.
Having made the big statement for the season ahead, the Dogs travel to Mernda this week, who was also impressive against Panton Hill. With five club debutants, as well as two senior debutants, the Dees took no time to get going, piling on 14 opening-half goals, led by six of the best from Andrew Smith. Jai Robinson kicked five goals as the Dees took out a 24.16 (160) to 13.12 (90) victory. The result means that for the second year in succession there will be a 1st vs 2nd matchup in Round 2 at Schotters Road.
Another side who made the competition stand up and take notice was Hurstbridge who made the short trip to Diamond Creek and returned with the four points, kicking 16.12 (108) to 11.10 (76). Michael Ryan, having made the move to the Bridges from Bundoora over the off-season, was sensational on debut for the club. He kicked two goals, alongside Dale Eames who also played well. The Bridges were 25 points up at half time before weathering a Diamond Creek challenge to kick away.
Lalor weathered an early storm from Epping in the first quarter to come back and start 2014 in a much better fashion than 2013, taking out a 17-point victory over the Blues, 12.13 (85) to 10.8 (68). Scott Dowell kicked three goals for the Bloods. Jarrod King, on debut for the club following his big move from North Heidelberg, was solid in his first game in red and white and kicked a goal for good measure.
Last week’s results means that we’re in for an intriguing Round 2 which should see two sides get off the mark for 2014, whereas two sides will sit pretty atop the Division 2 ladder undefeated.
Hurstbridge will host Lalor at Ben Frilay Oval, in a clash which saw Lalor take a tense two-point victory last time the two sides played. The fillip for the winner would be a 2-0 start. Considering Hurstbridge won five games in season 2013 and Lalor four, both sides would treasure such a start.
Round 1 disappointments Fitzroy Stars and Diamond Creek will do battle at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval. Fitzroy will be keen to bounce back, and with big names such as Allan Murray, Lionel Proctor and last year’s Grand Final best on ground medallist Malcolm Dow, will be keen to put aside the Round 1 aberration in a hurry.
It will face a stern challenge from Diamond Creek however, who had some solid performers in the loss to Hurstbridge. Rikki Stephens kicked four goals last Saturday, getting his season off to a very solid start, whilst Daniel Carmody also put in a very good performance and received the three coaches votes from Jono Manzoney. Finals sides last year – both sides will not be keen for a 0-2 start.
Epping hosts Panton Hill at the ground where the Redbacks ended their 58-year premiership drought last September. Epping will be disappointed it could not capitalise on a 19-point quarter time lead against the Bloods. Harley Nancarrow kicked four goals for the Blues, but will be keen to get back on track for their push to return to Division 1.
Despite its 70-point loss, Panton Hill showed some good signs during the game, in particular the second quarter when it booted four quick goals to close within a goal of the Demons. However, it was not able to go on with it. It was a slow start for the Hillers in their quest to stay up in Division 2, but they will take big inspiration from their one-point triumph over Watsonia in the big dance last season.
