BY ISABELLA CHESSER for NFNL
Kinglake reaffirmed their status as a finals contender in the 2025 Northern Football Netball League Division 3 season with an 11-goal victory over Mernda at Kinglake Memorial Oval.
In sloppy conditions, the Lakers performed well across the four quarters, kicking 18.13 (121) whilst keeping Mernda to 8.7 (55).
KINGLAKE: 2.2 10.7 13.10 18.13 (121)
GOALS: Bailey Robinson 5, Damian Pywell 3, Lesley Adams 2, Dylan Hoysted 2, Ethan Robinson 2, Michael Bongailas, Thomas Clarke, Mason McAllister, Ben White.
BEST: Bailey Robinson, Michael Florance, Mason McAllister, Thomas Clarke, Ben White, Thomas McErlain.
MERNDA: 3.1 4.2 7.4 8.7 (55)
GOALS: Nicholas Gregson 2, Matthew Bawden, Jayden Bell, Christian Evans, Bryce Kimuliatis, Billy Morrison, Brayden Plant.
BEST: Kyle Yankos, Jesse Guelfo, Lachlan Taylor, Billy Morrison, William Fordham, Christian Evans.
Dave Florance’s side now moves a game clear of the Demons, as well as Kilmore and Ivanhoe, in fourth place on the table.
Mernda, on the other hand, now drop out of the top five, having found their way into it with four consecutive victories before Saturday’s game.
Bailey Robinson and Michael Florance stood out yet again for Kinglake. Robinson kicked five goals for the game and was a key force in the midfield, while Florance utilised his strength and height in the ruck.
From Mernda, Kyle Yankos and Jesse Guelfo came in hard while Nicholas Gregson kicked two goals for the day.
It was a strong start for Kinglake, who kicked the first goal of the match only 20 seconds into it through Lesley Adams. Only minutes later, Chistan Evans clapped back at Mernda.
Both teams fought out the wet conditions in a tight first term, with Mernda leading 3.1 (19) to 2.2 (14) at quarter time.
After identifying improvements, the Lakers came out firing in the second term. Playing to their strengths, the hosts had 11 consecutive scoring shots while Bailey Robinson kicked two of Kinglake’s eight goals in the term.
After a strong quarter from the Lakers, they took a 10.7 (67) to 4.2 (26) lead at halftime.
Both teams came in hard in the third term, with Mernda particularly showcasing their quality across each line.
But with the pressure on Robert Fletcher’s men to get back into the game, Kinglake made sure to keep the margin out of reach for the Demons.
Efforts from Dylan Hoysted weren’t unnoticed, kicking two goals for the Lakers in the term while Nicholas Gregson kicked his second goal of the day for the Demons.
Despite Mernda’s efforts. Kinglake sustained a seven-goal buffer heading into the final break.
Coming into the last term, the Lakers didn’t hold back. With a really consistent spread of players, they were able to build on the margin they created.
The pressure, in particular from Kinglake, led to Mernda having rushed kicks, which made it difficult to put away much-needed goals.
After Damian Pywell kicked his third goal and Bailey Robinson booted his fifth, the Lakers added another three goals late and conceded just one more to secure a 66-point win.
