Heidelberg West remain undefeated in the 2023 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 season after finishing as 18-point winners in their clash with Old Eltham Collegians at Heidelberg Park.
A run of five straight goals either side of half time broke the game open for the hosts, giving them a five-goal buffer early in the third term. From that point onwards, they never looked like losing in a game where the forecasted rain stayed away.
The local crowd was delighted when the team’s biggest test for the 2023 season was passed with flying colours, with the 14.8 (92) to 11.8 (74) win keeping the Hawks as one of only two unbeaten sides in the competition.
They’ve now also won their last three games against Old Eltham Collegians, attributing to three of the Turtles last nine defeats.
“It’s just another step in the right direction, but there are still lots of steps to take,” Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen said.
The Hawks had the game played in their front half and on their terms for the majority of the contest. They won most of the contested footy with inside midfielders such as Lachie Jones and Daniel Kelly having a massive impact on the contest.
But the most influential midfield player was Marcus Hill. He won the ball at the coalface and also managed to get on the scoreboard.
Jordon Bulman won plenty of ball for the Hawks and also kicked a major, while Nick Paton had another solid game. Small forward Alex Williamson was a livewire in attack and kicked three on the day.
The local crowd loved the pressure aspect of their team and the Turtles often struggled to get players into space.
After dominant starts to the season up forward, Old Eltham Collegians duo Matthew Williamson and Nicholas Milne finished with three majors and one major respectively. Hawks coach Missen was pleased with the work done on the dangerous pair by Zac Tranter and Ben Kennan.
With the game in danger of slipping away, Williamson was thrown into the ruck in the third term and managed to get several hit-outs to advantage. But it wasn’t enough to break the control that Heidelberg West had around the ground.
Facing a five-goal deficit at the last change, Old Eltham Collegians coach Matt Sleeman urged his players to take risks and take the game on.
His players did just that and won the final term, but it was too little too late for Turtles fans.
“We’re disappointed with the loss, but happy we fought the game out,” Sleeman said.
“We now look forward to the next two challenges before the bye.”
The coach was happy with the work of Jeremy Murphy in the midfield as well as Tim Ellis, who took numerous intercept marks in defence and used the ball well.
Sebastian Francis-Perkins was another good contributor through the middle of the ground, while Jaedyn Kearney was solid in defence.
Ben Rowe finished off with two fourth quarter goals which both came as a result of excellent passes.
The first was a deft touch kick from Benjamin Cox. The second one came from 23rd player Max Hanlon. Hanlon marked about 45 metres out and, rather than having a long shot at goal, fired a neat pass to Rowe who marked in space and then converted the easier shot.
Heidelberg West’s next month sees them face some competitive sides as they look to keep their place in the top four, while Old Eltham Collegians will hope for a better performance when they travel to Laurimar to take on the Power.
