THE new-looking Heidelberg got its 2014 campaign off to the best possible start with a hard-fought win over a gallant Macleod outfit at Warringal Park in Round 1.
A close game throughout, it was the Tigers’ ability to convert their chances that proved the difference, as they ran out winners 11.8 (74) to 9.14 (68).
Macleod was dominant early in the first term, controlling possession and its forward pressure was unmatchable. However, it was inaccurate kicking that cost it dearly, kicking five behinds before its first major came from a brilliant snap from Hayden Seivers.
After this goal the momentum started to shift the Bergers’ way. Despite missing some easy chances first up, Chaz Sargeant goaled to close the home side’s deficit to three points at quarter time.
The second quarter was much of the same, with contested play making goals hard to come by. The Kangaroos were again inaccurate, dominating the opening 10 minutes but only recording two points.
A red card to Joshua Henkel saw the tide swing Heidelberg’s way, as a great chase down and conversion from Jarrod Hodgkin saw the Tigers go into the second half with a two-point lead.
But the story again was Macleod’s inaccurate kicking, booting only three behinds for the quarter despite producing plenty of run and carry to give their forwards some options.
Matt Pow and Nick Lynch weren’t threatening and needed to improve for Macleod to have any chance of winning. But Heidelberg’s run off the back line was superb, led by Ben Cosgriff, who was a brick wall in the Bergers’ defence.
The third term started off with yet another Macleod miss, which then sparked a remarkable coast-to-coast goal from Heidelberg, with Michael Brunelli finishing off the play.
Macleod remained dominant in possession and forward pressure but couldn’t put it on the scoreboard, kicking two behinds before Lynch marked strongly and converted to hand the Roos back the lead by a solitary point.
This sparked a three-goal burst for Heidelberg, with goals to Sargeant, Charles Gaylard and Hodgkin. It proved to be the decisive moment in the game.
The Roos ended the third quarter on top, kicking two goals to run out the term trailing by five points and with all the momentum. Lynch was starting to find his range, taking his tally to two goals for the game as he became a prolific figure in the Macleod forward line.
With the game in the balance, Heidelberg started the final quarter perfectly, booting a goal through Sargeant within 30 seconds of the restart.
It wasn’t long before another goal followed, as Luke Hodgkin slotted one while tugging the boundary line to give the Bergers a 17-point lead.
The Roos dug deep and kicked three in a row to trail by a point with seven minutes remaining. They had all the run and momentum and looked like they would run away with the match.
However, Heidelberg was then able to capitalise on a Macleod mistake and kicked two goals in a row to pull away to a 13-point lead with two minutes remaining in the match.
Lynch kicked one late to give the Roos some hope, but it wasn’t enough as Heidelberg ran out a six-point victor.
The Bergers’ best were Cosgriff, Jake Mcnamara who was a prolific ball winner and Paul Bower who provided plenty of run off the half-back line.
Macleod’s best were Hamish Paynter, Kane Shaw who was rock solid in the back line and Lynch who bagged five goals.
Heidelberg takes to the road this week when it clashes with newly promoted Whittlesea at the Whittlesea Showgrounds. Macleod tackles Northcote Park in a massive encounter at De Winton Park.
Final score: Heidelberg 11.8 (74) def Macleod 9.14 (68)
