With the past form of both teams taken into account, the 13.9 (87) to 11.6 (72) result at Heidelberg Park nearly all but ensures that Watsonia will finish last in season 2012.
Conversely, Heidelberg West’s win – its second of the season – moved it off the bottom of the Division 3 ladder for the first time since Round 5, 2011.
Both teams came out with great intent and desperation in the first quarter as neither wanted to give the other an early head start.
In the tight opening term both Bennett Osborne for the Hawks and Joel Buckley for the Saints were able kick two goals, setting themselves up for more later in the day.
With four goals to three for the term, Watsonia went into quarter-time five points in front.
After the break Heidelberg West came out attacking but the Saints were able to weather the storm and extend their lead. After Buckley put through his third from outside the 50m arc, Watsonia was up by three goals and looked like inflicting the Hawks with their second wooden spoon in as many years.
However, it was from there that Heidelberg West began to take control. The home side kicked five of the next six goals to take a lead into half time. Tom Kimpton started the run on with two quick goals, before Jarryd Hansen quickly answered for the Saints.
During this period the clearances became all important and many of the goals came directly from centre clearances. It was Matthew Camilleri who led the way for the Hawks, with his clearance work ensuring that Heidelberg West kicked the final three goals for the quarter.
The game returned to a close contest after half time but it was Heidelberg West who was able to grab its opportunity with the first goal of the quarter. Soon after, Aidan Young kicked an amazing goal from the boundary as everything looked to be going the Hawks’ way.
Watsonia was not out of it yet though and goals to Tyson Veenman and Jarryd Hansen pulled the Saints back into the game.
For the second half of the third quarter the Saints had most of the play however they could no capitalise and went into the final change two goals behind.
Everything was on the line in the last quarter and the first goal was crucial.
This tension was palpable in the opening five minutes as each team traded behinds and control of play. It was Watsonia who finally broke the deadlock though the boot of Matthew Crompton, but its hopes were quickly dashed as the Hawks answered almost immediately after.
From there Heidelberg West was able to dictate the play. The ball spent a lot of time in the Hawks’ forward half and Watsonia’s forward line didn’t look like scoring. It was Luke James who put the final nail in the coffin for the Hawks with a goal with five minutes left on the clock.
While Buckley was able to kick his fourth for Watsonia, it was all too late as Heidelberg West had done enough to claim victory and, most likely, avoid the wooden spoon.
Final score: Heidelberg West 13.9 (87) def Watsonia 11.6 (72)
