BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Round 14 delivered another important weekend of Division 1 action as the finals picture begins to get a little clearer with four rounds to go.
Heidelberg and Montmorency continued their impressive seasons with dominant victories, while Diamond Creek and Bundoora produced convincing wins to strengthen their finals campaigns. Banyule produced the comeback of the round, overturning a deficit in the final term to secure a thrilling victory over Hurstbridge, while Greensborough, North Heidelberg, Eltham and West Preston-Lakeside were left searching for answers.
Heidelberg 20.8 (128) def. Greensborough 9.10 (64)
Heidelberg continued its strong run of form with a dominant 64-point victory over Greensborough, further proving why they remain one of the teams to beat this season.
The Tigers controlled the contest from the opening bounce, using their midfield strength and forward pressure to create scoreboard opportunities throughout the afternoon. Their ability to maintain possession and transition the ball forward consistently proved the difference as they pulled away from the Borough in the second half.
Luke Bunker was outstanding across the ground, collecting 32 disposals and providing plenty of drive through the midfield. Dylan Clarke also played a key role with 28 disposals and two goals, while Nathan Honey was a constant threat inside 50, finishing with four goals from 19 disposals.
Greensborough fought hard throughout the contest, with Jack Johnston standing tall in defence. The defender produced a huge workload, finishing with 30 disposals and 17 rebound 50s as he looked to provide his side with an avenue out of defence.
Montmorency 23.18 (156) def. West Preston-Lakeside 3.6 (24)
Montmorency delivered one of the most emphatic performances of Round 14, recording a massive 132-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside.
The Magpies were relentless from the opening stages, dominating around the contest and applying scoreboard pressure throughout the afternoon. Their pressure across the ground made it difficult for the Roosters to generate scoring opportunities, with Montmorency producing a complete four-quarter performance.
Nicolas Uzelac was instrumental in the win, finishing with 36 disposals and 10 clearances as he controlled the midfield battle. Lachy Batchelor also impressed with 28 disposals and two goals, while Nash Holmes was unstoppable inside forward 50, finishing with six goals from 18 disposals.
Despite the challenging afternoon, West Preston-Lakeside midfielder Aleksandr D’Arro continued to compete strongly, gathering 37 disposals and 17 clearances in an enormous individual effort.
Diamond Creek 17.11 (113) def. North Heidelberg 4.6 (30)
Diamond Creek continued its impressive form with a dominant 83-point victory over North Heidelberg.
The Demons were in control for the majority of the afternoon, winning the contested ball battle and making the most of their opportunities inside forward 50. Their defensive pressure also restricted North Heidelberg’s ability to build momentum, allowing Diamond Creek to control the contest from start to finish.
Jacob Booth was one of the standout performers on the ground, collecting 30 disposals and kicking three goals in a damaging display. Nathan Searl was also influential, finishing with 31 disposals and 11 marks as he provided a strong presence around the ground.
North Heidelberg battled hard despite the scoreboard margin, with Jamison Shea leading the way with a huge 40-disposal performance while also registering 10 inside 50s. Brody Bell was another strong contributor with 30 disposals and one goal.
Bundoora 18.8 (116) def. Eltham 10.5 (65)
Bundoora strengthened its finals push with a convincing 51-point victory over Eltham.
The Bulls produced a strong performance across all four quarters, using their midfield dominance and attacking efficiency to create separation on the scoreboard. Their forward line proved too much to handle, with Bundoora continuing to build momentum as the game progressed.
Jesse King was the major difference inside 50, producing a brilliant seven-goal haul to help guide his side to victory. Peter McEvoy was also influential, finishing with 21 disposals and three goals in a damaging performance.
Eltham found some strong contributors despite the defeat, with Jason McCormick leading the way with 27 disposals, while Alexander Bellchambers collected 22 disposals as they continued to compete throughout the contest.
Banyule 11.10 (76) def. Hurstbridge 10.6 (66)
Banyule produced the comeback of Round 14, storming home in the final quarter to secure a thrilling 10-point victory over Hurstbridge.
The Bears found themselves behind for much of the contest but refused to give in, producing a brilliant final-term surge when the game was there to be won. Their ability to lift late and execute under pressure proved decisive, securing a valuable four points in the race for finals.
Jack Langford was outstanding for Banyule, collecting 35 disposals and 11 inside 50s while constantly driving his side forward. Jean-Luc Velissaris was also a key contributor through the midfield, finishing with 33 disposals and 12 clearances.
Hurstbridge were left disappointed after controlling large parts of the match, with Blake Fitzgerald continuing his strong season with 28 disposals and 10 clearances. Lachlan East was another standout, recording 27 disposals and 12 marks as the Bridges pushed Banyule all the way but remain in sixth spot for now.
