Heidelberg have continued their flawless start to the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 season, claiming a hard-fought 50-point victory over Hurstbridge at Warringal Park.
While the Bridges matched Heidelberg’s firepower for prolonged stretches, the classy Tigers wore down their opponents, ruthlessly kicking away to a healthy 18.5 (113) to 9.9 (63) victory.
The result moves the reigning premiers three games clear of now second-placed side Montmorency while the Bridges have dropped down to fourth after the Magpies victory over West Preston-Lakeside.
After trailing at the first break and half time, Heidelberg pushed on to kick 13 of the final 16 majors, with Tom Keys and Sam Gilmore combining for standout performances amidst a high-quality field of contenders.
Jordan Smith led the Tiger’s 11 unique goalscorers with three, while Joel Naylor claimed a game high four majors in an entertaining matchup with the 2024 Melbourne Greyhounds Division One Grand Final best on ground recipient Ben De Bolfo.
From midfield, the Bridges trio of Mitchell Moschetti, Blake Fitzgerald and Harry O’Brien worked tirelessly, but the rotating star power of Lachy Wilson, Matthew Signorello, Luke Bunker, Kristian Ferronato and Tom Keys proved too much to handle in the latter stages.
The opening quarter saw Hurstbridge step on to Warringal Park with authority, as Mitchell Hymus sailed through a thumping drop punt off a step, before Ethan Taylor followed suit moments later.
Sam Gilmore responded by taking a strong contested grab and goal in a venture down forward, before Lachlan East kept the foot on the throttle for Hurstbridge in a three goal to one term.
As was the day’s theme, Heidelberg answered with a burst of goals to snatch back the momentum, as Tom Keys, Matt Cecchin, Angus Curry and Sam Gilmore all hit the scoreboard consecutively.
Jack Stewart did his best to halt the damage, taking repeated intercept marks to limit the damage alongside Jake Richards and Christopher McCabe, who were solid all afternoon.
At risk of letting Heidelberg storm beyond their 12-point buffer, Cameron Wild and Joel Naylor combined for the final two goals of the term, wresting back a two-point lead in favour of the Bridges, making them the only side to lead Heidelberg at half-time this season.
Joel Cordwell’s men surged out similarly to how they had ended the term, dominating the clearances as Liam Middleton and Cooper Perrin grew into the game on the wing.
Within three minutes Joel Naylor and Harry O’Brien claimed back-to-back goals, and it could have been more if not for repeated shunned chances to take the lead beyond three goals.
But Hurstbridge would be left to rue these opportunities as the Tigers surged in the premiership quarter. Brody Tardio and Lachlan Wilson shone, as Vin Dattoli’s side kicked six unanswered goals to lead by 19 points after 30 gruelling minutes.
Smelling blood, there was no stopping the Tigers. Jack Andrew claimed the crucial first goal of the final term, before the Tigers continued to storm away.
Piling on the agony, Heidelberg kicked six goals to two, including a fantastic two goals in a minute from the run and carry of new recruit Kristian Ferronato.
By the final siren the lead had stretched to a game-high 50 points, marking another dominant scalp against top-ranked opposition in the Tiger’s pursuit for a fourth consecutive premiership.
