A look ahead to Round 3 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Round 3 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 will give a chance for top-four teams to consolidate their spots, but also provides opportunities for those outside to show their credentials.
This weekend’s matches follows on from Round 2 action, which was played in perfect conditions – overcast and mild with little wind – last Saturday.
South Morang remained undefeated after a 30-point victory over Old Eltham Collegians at Eltham College. It was the first time the Lions had beaten the Turtles – having registered a draw and a loss in 2019.
“The team was challenged against a good, experienced team and hung tough,” a relieved South Morang coach Gary Hall said.
Alec Colaidis booted four goals for the Lions, while Tye Hall was among the best playing in the midfield. Hall did his ACL in the 2019 preliminary final and ended up only missing one game given the 2020 cancelled season. Albeit the match he missed was the 2019 grand final.
Old Eltham Collegians coach Matthew Sleeman thought his team took a step up from their Round 1 effort against Heidelberg West, despite the loss.
“How we represent the club. Our brand is pressure and tackles like today,” Sleeman said.
Matthew Dean excelled at half back with his intercept marking. Luke Mills played his first senior game and handled the rucking role well, while Lachie Smith scored two goals as a result of pressure acts.
Heidelberg West made it two from two when getting the job done against Mernda at Heidelberg Park to the tune of 43 points.
A late behind saw the Hawks become the only team in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 to record triple figures for both their matches this year.
The Demons had periods of dominance in general play and fought it out to the last, but the Hawks were more effective when they had control.
Reservoir journeyed to Laurimar Reserve to take on Laurimar and the unbeaten Power scored a huge 173-point win and held the Mustangs goalless.
Despite the large gap between the two sides, both coaches took away positives.
“Structurally, we were a lot better this week,” Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins said.
Under-17s player Brody Glenn came in for his first game and booted three goals, including two for the highlights reel, while Josh Williamson cashed in with eight.
Matt Gersh, who was recruited from Hurstbridge, scored five majors, while Jake Richards returned to the Power line-up and was immediately among the best players.
Reservoir coach Jason Hamilton considered week two an improvement on this first week, as the team lost some players after the South Morang encounter and then had no bench to work with during the third term against the Power.
“I’ve got nothing but praise for the team. They battled hard all day,” Hamilton said.
He was pleased with the work of Nick Gregson, who went back to defence. Tom Zerella, Jonah Talyor and Rob Holland also contributed well.
Lalor travelled to J. J. Clancy Reserve to play Kilmore, where the Blues got onto the winners’ list with an impressive 55-point victory.
“We were beaten by a good side today. We will get back into it this week and give it another go,” Lalor coach Gary Cutler said.
Hirsi Twomey continued his good work in the ruck and Louis Hill was a standout for the Bloods. Dylan Harvey and Justin Bentley performed well, as did Sam Rexhepi, who is playing higher up the ground than in 2019.
Kilmore was well served by Chris Barton, who dominated in the midfield and also drifted forward to kick three majors.
“It was good to get a win and we look forward to a challenge next week at South Morang,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said.
Premiership hopefuls South Morang and Kilmore clash at Mill Park Lakes Reserve in the match of the day in Round 3 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
These teams last clashed in the 2019 first semi-final, but it may seem like yesterday for Blues fans. That 2019 game was Kilmore’s first final since 2002 and, sadly for the Blues, they kicked poorly in a 3.14 to 9.10 defeat.
A win away against a side like the Lions would be a good start on the road to back-to-back finals appearances for the Blues, and they will also be keen to score their first road victory in 2021.
South Morang is developing players who helped win the Division 2 under-19s flag in 2019. With multiple players from the premiership team already in the side team in 2021, it will make for interesting watching.
Laurimar travels for the first time this season, but just down the road to tackle Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve, in a game with a 4.10pm start time.
On the back of results from the opening two rounds, the Power will be favoured to retain top spot with a win over the Demons. From Mernda’s viewpoint, a win would see them climb into the top-four or be just outside – depending on other results.
Reservoir hosts Heidelberg West at Crispe Park. The Mustangs are currently placed on the bottom and that is where the Hawks were some years back. But now they appear to be a serious finals aspirant.
While a victory for Reservoir would be a huge upset, they should also take heart that Heidelberg West has done what they will be looking to do in coming years – develop a team capable of competing in finals action.
Old Eltham Collegians makes the trip to Lalor Reserve to tussle with Lalor. Both teams will be looking to open their account for 2021, so it should be a keenly contested battle.
The Bloods have yet to beat the Turtles in two encounters and their last match was at this ground in late 2019, when the Turtles ran out comfortable 42-point winners.
Of interest will be seeing the in-form Turtle Luke Mills against the experienced Hirsi Twomey in the ruck.
Based on current form, a close result is on the cards.
