Round 7 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football provided a new ladder leader and a first win of the season for another team.
Kinglake claimed its first win of the season, defeating Lalor at Lalor Reserve. The Bloods led by three points at quarter time, but a six goal to two second term saw the Lakers take control, then went on to win by 39 points.
Dean Limbach dined out on the supply and booted eight for the victors. Michael Florance, brother of former coach Dave, excelled in what was Justin Sherman’s first win in his new role.
Hayden Chapman and Sam Rexhepi each slotted four majors for Lalor, while Alex Dao also impressed. Each team scored their highest total this season, with Kinglake surpassing triple figures.
Ivanhoe moved to the top of the ladder when finishing strongly to defeat Laurimar by 35 points at Laurimar Reserve. It was goal for goal for most of the first half and into the third term. The Power hit the front nine minutes into the second half, but the Hoers regained the lead a few minutes later and went on with the job.
Cooper Tyler led a strong Ivanhoe defence against a Laurimar forward line that lacked options outside of Patrick Fitzgerald who shone with six majors. Fitzgerald has 46 goals for the season with a huge gap to Reservoir’s Aaron Edwards who has bagged 29.
Joel Kleimann booted three, while Vivian Blackmore-Moore was exceptional for the victors in their statement win.
Read more from the top of the table clash between Laurimar and Ivanhoe here.
Mernda moved to within a game of top spot with a 75-point victory over Old Eltham Collegians at Eltham College. It was tight early, with the Demons a solitary point in front at the main break. But Mernda booted 14.4 after half time compared to a wasteful 1.8 by the Turtles.
“We started poorly but I’m pleased that we are running games out considerably well,” said Mernda coach Brent Marshall. He liked the performances of James Sekulovski, Jake Bennett and Josh Mazzarella in the midfield, while Lincoln Coffey continued to impress and booted three goals.
Declan Felle again did well in defence and Bradyn Thomsett off half back played his best game for the club.
Bailey Dillon continued his good form for Old Eltham Collegians, ably assisted by Jack Fitzgerald.
Watsonia headed north to play Kilmore at JJ Clancy Reserve and got off to a good start, leading by 15 points at quarter time. But the Blues fought back to trail by one point at the last change.
With the game looking likely to go down to the wire, the Saints kicked five goals in the final term and held their opponents goalless to win by 30 points.
Cameron Cloke kicked five in the win. William Rush excelled, while Lachlan Bowden hit the scoreboard in his best game for the season. The Watsonia young brigade played with speed and bravado.
“We put in three quarters of great effort”, said Kilmore coach Mick Marrett. “We just need to link up better and make if a four-quarter performance.”
Despite the loss, it was an improved effort compared to their previous game against Laurimar. Marrett lauded the work of his ruck duo in Joshua Coe and Joshua Robertson. He also gave a tick to under 17 players Jack Haber and Eammon McLaughlin–Matthews in their senior debuts.
The last game of autumn saw Heidelberg West take on Reservoir at Heidelberg Park in the 4.00pm time slot. Former AFL stars Heath Shaw (Hawks) and Trent Cotchin (Mustangs) came into the line-ups to complement Reservoir’s Aaron Edwards, Levi Greenwood and Ricky Dyson who have all played at the top level.
The scores were level at quarter time, but Reservoir gradually drew away to win by 45 points. Greenwood was influential in the win while Joshua Grabowski continued his recent good form. The win sent the Mustangs into fifth spot on the table.
“The effort and pressure was there but we weren’t able to make the most of our opportunities going forward,” said Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen. Missen praised the work of Zac Smith on Aaron Edwards who kicked four goals on the day, but Smith impressed in many one-one-one duels. Mitch Antonello was another to please his coach.
Ivanhoe heads the table with seven wins and a percentage of just over 400 and a game in hand on Laurimar who have seven wins and the one loss. Mernda is a game further back on six wins, with Watsonia on five victories.
But the real action at present is in the battle for fifth spot. Reservoir heads a group of four teams on three wins, with Epping, Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians just outside the top five on percentage. All those four sides have played seven games bar the Turtles who have played eight matches.
Kinglake, Laurimar and Old Eltham Collegians all have byes in Round 9 next weekend.
