Round 7 of Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 produced some big results and strong individual performances across the competition.
Several top sides continued their impressive form, while other clubs have a bit more work to do if they want to push their way into the top five as we head towards the middle part of the season.
North Heidelberg has stayed in touch with the top sides after a strong final quarter helped them secure a 28-point win over Greensborough. The match was tightly contested for most of the afternoon, with both teams fighting hard around the contest and on the scoreboard.
Greensborough remained in the game through the first three quarters and looked to be within reach heading into the final term. However, North Heidelberg lifted their intensity late and kicked five unanswered goals in the final quarter to run away with the victory.
Angus McLennan was the star up forward for North Heidelberg, producing a dominant performance in front of goal. McLennan kicked eight goals for the match, including four in the final quarter, to help seal the win for his side.
New recruit Nash Ramage made a strong first impression after joining the club during the week. The Williamstown-listed player collected 15 disposals, 16 hitouts and five score involvements in a solid debut performance. Captain Brody Bell also led from the front with 21 disposals, eight tackles, and six clearances in another strong midfield display.
For Greensborough, Jack Johnston battled hard in his 200th game for the club and finished with 25 disposals. Harrison Andronaco was also excellent with 29 disposals, including 20 contested possessions.
Montmorency continued its dominant run of form with an impressive 80-point win over second-placed Hurstbridge. The Magpies came out firing early and quickly took control of the contest – their pressure and ball movement were excellent from the opening bounce, helping them build a 23-point lead by quarter-time.
From there, Montmorency never looked back and controlled the game for the rest of the afternoon. Nash Holmes continued his outstanding season with another brilliant performance, collecting 32 disposals and 10 marks. Marcus Lentini was also influential through the midfield with 30 disposals and two goals in a complete performance.
Despite the heavy defeat, Hurstbridge star Blake Fitzgerald continued his remarkable form. Fitzgerald finished with 42 disposals, including 26 contested possessions, and also recorded 13 clearances in a huge individual effort.
The win further strengthens Montmorency’s place among the competition’s top teams as they continue to build momentum and climb up the ladder.
Heidelberg was forced to work hard for its 31-point win over Eltham, with the Panthers remaining competitive for most of the afternoon.
The reigning premiers created plenty of opportunities but struggled to make the most of them early due to inaccurate kicking in front of goal. Eltham took advantage and stayed within striking distance heading into the final quarter.
However, Heidelberg showed its class late in the game and produced a dominant final term to secure another important victory. Tom Keys was outstanding for the Tigers and dominated around stoppages all day. Keys finished with 32 disposals, 27 contested possessions and 15 clearances in one of the best individual performances of the season. Luke Bunker also impressed with 29 disposals, while Dylan Clarke added 25 touches in another strong performance.
For Eltham, Jason McCormick continued his consistent form with 23 disposals. Alexander Bellchambers and Alex Jacobs also worked hard throughout the game, and both finished with 22 disposals.
Diamond Creek continues to impress in Division 1 with a dominant win over Banyule in a powerful four-quarter performance.
The Creekers controlled the game from the opening bounce and applied constant pressure around the contest. Their defence was especially impressive, keeping Banyule scoreless until the final quarter and limiting the Bears’ chances going forward.
Diamond Creek’s midfield controlled possession for most of the afternoon, allowing them to build a strong lead and maintain control throughout the match. Ewan Macpherson starred for the Creekers with an outstanding all-round performance. Macpherson collected 30 disposals and kicked three goals to play a major role in the victory. Taj Logan also continued his strong form on the wing with 28 disposals and plenty of important run.
Jean-Luc Velissaris was once again among Banyule’s best players. Velissaris gathered 33 disposals, including 19 contested possessions, while also recording 13 clearances and kicking a goal.
Bundoora returned to the winners’ list with a convincing 68-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside.
The Bulls controlled much of the play early in the game but were inaccurate in front of goal during the first half, allowing the Roosters to remain in the contest at half-time. After the break, Bundoora lifted its intensity and eventually proved far too strong.
Jesse King was sensational in attack and finished with eight goals in a dominant performance. King now sits second in the competition goal-kicking race after another huge game up forward.
Liam Mallia was also outstanding with 35 disposals, nine marks, 13 inside 50s and seven clearances in one of the best performances of the round. For the Roosters, Kristian Lawson continued his consistent season with 24 disposals and seven clearances.
The win keeps the Bulls in fifth spot for now, moving past Eltham with superior percentage. They’ll face an interesting assignment hosting the in-form Montmorency at Yulong Reserve this coming weekend.
