A ruthless Macleod has strengthened its claim as a Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premiership contender after an emphatic 51-point win over reigning premier Heidelberg.
The Roos kicked the opening four goals of the grand final rematch to jump out to an impressive lead and despite the Tigers looking like the better side in patches, the visitors were able to hold the home side at bay after quarter time.
The Roos ran out 15.13 (103) to 7.10 (52) winners at Warringal Park and remain unbeaten after two rounds, while Heidelberg has now unexpectedly slumped to a 0-3 start.
Key defensive duo Brad Leggett and Daniel O’Brien played an integral part in the Macleod defence, but the clear stand out was Jack Bianchin, whose influence off half-back dictated the game.
The Tigers weren’t disgraced – showing glimpses of their 2016 form – but were no match for the Roos, who seized control of the contest whenever the Tigers tried to fight back the momentum.
Marcus Marigliani once again played a huge role in Heidelberg’s midfield, with his strength and work rate around the contest and ball use through the corridor a stand out.
Will Goss was a notable livewire across half-forward for the Tigers and can also hold his head high.
Macleod was able to take advantage of its forward 50 entries more effectively than Heidelberg, with small forward Reid Brandt leading the way with four majors.
Midfielders Lucas Hobbs and Liam Brandt were damaging in the engine room for the visitors, and it is there where the game was evidently won.
It was after an intense opening 10 minutes that the first goal was finally kicked, with Hobbs running riot in the early stages and breaking the deadlock for Macleod.
Reid Brandt put through his first of the game just minutes later, and from then on Macleod’s ruthless intention was clear, with the visitor comfortably holding a 25-point lead at quarter time.
The second term saw the game open up and both sides were keen on moving the ball quickly through the middle.
Heidelberg kicked three of the next four goals through Ben Irving, Shaun Huy and Lachlan Wilson, but a goal to Cathal Corr and another to Reid Brandt allowed the visitors to maintain a 25-point advantage at half time.
Macleod’s four-goal burst to begin the third term was game-defining, suddenly blowing the margin out to 50 points with plenty of life still left in the game.
The rapid charge eventually spurred on the reigning premier, who began to take risks.
The Tigers had the next six scoring shots, which was driven by their increase in intensity, but were unable to fully capitalise on their patch of dominance.
The Tigers managed three goals inspired by Marigliani and playing-coach Charles Gaylard – who produced the highlight of the term with a clever snap from the pocket.
While the margin was again brought back to 28 points at three quarter time, the Tigers struggled to rein in the Roos, whose depth in class shone brightest in the end.
Heidelberg’s resurgence failed to trigger concerns for the Macleod camp, as the visitors piled on four of the last five goals in a final term played at breakneck pace, to extinguish the challenge and run out convincing winners.
Heidelberg will look to open its campaign when it travels to Eltham in Round 3, while Macleod will host West Preston-Lakeside in a top of the table clash at De Winton Park.
Final score: Heidelberg 7.10 (52) def by Macleod 15.13 (103)
Photo by Nathan McNeil
