Mernda started its 2016 Northern Football League division 3 season with victory against Epping on Saturday but was made to fight every step of the way.
While the Demons controlled the scoreboard for most of the match, winning 11.12 (78)-7.11 (53), Demons coach Jason Ford said the game was tight.
“I don’t think it was because we were better overall on the field – we just capitalised better,” he said.
“We still had a lot of opportunities that we missed and wasted but were just better than them in that part of the game.”
Ford said that while it was very pleasing to get four points to open the season there was much work to be done by the Demons.
“We didn’t play the greatest brand of football and our disposal is something we really need to work on,” he said.
“It was good to get the four points … there were no injuries and everyone is up and about.”
Matthew Golledge and Matthew Tarr kicked two goals each for the Demons, with Christopher Chilcott the only multiple goal-scorer for the Pingers with two.
Anthony Bradford and Matt Campbell were named the best players for the Demons, though Ford highlighted the efforts of a couple of defenders.
“Our full-back Christian Cawsey played on [Aaron] Willitts, who is a good full-forward, and kept him to one goal,” Ford said.
“Josh Delaney, who has only just come back to the club, was good at half-back. Ian Fulton, our ruckman, had to play most of the game in the ruck and played well.”
The win wasn’t just for four points, the teams were also vying for the inaugural Patrick Chow Cup, played between the sides each year. Ford said there was a positive vibe around the club after the Demons struggled last season.
“In the practice matches we won three from three,” Ford said. “The games will get tougher and tougher so it’s good to start the season this way.”
The Demons will face South Morang in round two. The Lions suffered a first-up loss, 12.13 (85)- 7.11 (53), to Watsonia.
The Saints outscored the Lions in every quarter to extend the lead from 10 points at the first break to the final margin of 32.
Jake Potter and Wayne Pavitt kicked two goals each for the Lions. Daniel Caruso was named best for the losing side.
Banyule and St Mary’s were the other division 3 winners.
