Mernda will enter the second half of the 2023 Northern Football Netball League’s Division 3 season on a five-game winning streak following a strong 33-point triumph over the Fitzroy Stars at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
Kicking with the wind in the opening quarter, the Demons got out to an imposing 26-point lead at quarter time and were able to maintain their advantage throughout to secure a 10.11 (71) to 5.8 (38) triumph.
It was clear that Mernda handled the blustery conditions better than their opponents by producing a more direct approach in attack, while the Stars’ heavy use of handball meant that if they lost possession, they had never advanced the ball far enough forward to be a threat.
Billy Morrison was a dominant presence in the ruck for the home side, with his contested marking and precision by foot a standout in difficult weather.
William Crouch, who played a supporting role for Morrison in the ruck, was excellent with his stoppage work, constantly sending the ball forward for his side. While Daniel Smith was a threat every time the ball went inside 50, finishing with a game-high three majors.
For the visitors, it was Hedley Smith who led the way for his side in the midfield along with Jai Burns and Lionel Proctor who were both just as impressive.
MERNDA: 4.3 6.4 10.8 10.11 (71)
GOALS: Daniel Smith 3, Riley Edwards 2, Ryan Bongetti, Christopher Roussos, Bryce Kimuliatis, William Crouch, Matthew Bawden.
BEST: Dayne Kellett, Shannon Bennett, Billy Morrison, Riley Vincent, Jayden Bell, Matthew Bawden.
FITZROY STARS: 0.1 3.3 3.4 5.8 (38)
GOALS: James Trajkovski, Tyson Pickett, Hedley Smith, James Dau, Lionel Proctor.
BEST: James Trajkovski, Tyson Pickett, Jai Burns, Gordon Bamblett, Allan Norris, Hedley Smith.
Click here to view all NFNL Football Scores
James Trajkovski was also prominent at stages of the game, going up forward to kick one of his side’s five goals for the afternoon.
From the onset, it was evident that the wind at Waterview Recreation Reserve would be a factor. It took five stoppages for the ball to leave the centre square, but when it did, it was the Demons who took full advantage with the wind in their backs throughout the opening term.
The ball stayed mostly inside the host’s attacking half and while the Fitzroy Stars had their fair share of possession, Mernda were causing multiple turnovers at half-forward, allowing them to hit the scoreboard at a rapid pace.
Robert Fletcher’s men led by 26 points at quarter time, keeping the Stars to just one point for the term, but the visitors went up a notch in the second quarter with the assistance of the wind.
They became more effective with their disposal, and it didn’t take long before they kicked their first major of the afternoon through James Trajkovski.
However, the Demons were able to respond almost immediately courtesy of Riley Edwards, who slotted home his second goal of the game.
From then on, both sides were locked in a mini stalemate, before Stars playing coach Lionel Proctor found the big sticks to again reduce the deficit for his side.
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023 
Mernda vs Fitzroy Stars NFNL Division 3 Round 9 2023
Captain James Dau then added the away side’s third of the game following a second 50-metre penalty against the Demons.
The Fitzroy Stars were in the hot seat to build more momentum and apply further scoreboard pressure on their opponents, but again, Mernda responded with a major, this time it was Daniel Smith kicking his second goal, to help the hosts lead by 19 points at halftime.
The Demons again took control of the contest as the third term commenced, producing their second four-goal-to-nil quarter to promptly extend their margin.
Although the home side was creating pressure going forward, their defensive efforts were a catalyst in holding the Stars goalless for another quarter. Lionel Proctor’s men continued to win their share of possession, but their use of short kicking was countered by Mernda’s ability to create spillages.
Billy Morrison put his stamp on the game in a powerful third term, marking every ball that came his way whether they were contested or not.
Further goals from Mernda late in the quarter pushed their lead out to a game-high 46 points at three-quarter time.
A third 50-metre penalty against the Demons allowed the Stars to kick the opening goal of the final term.
From then on, both teams struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. Despite the Demons gaining more possession, they weren’t able to work their way forward.
By comparison and much like the second quarter, the Fitzroy Stars looked much more likely to hit the scoreboard.
Mernda’s defence held strong and was led by Dane Kellett who was prolific in the final term with important intercept marks, stopping multiple opportunities for the Stars.
Although the margin was too large to overcome, the visitors kept the Demons goalless in the last quarter to reduce the final margin to 33 points.
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