Mernda earned a hard-fought win against Lalor in tricky conditions in its Northern Football League division 2 clash on Saturday.
The Devils led at every change and, despite having three fewer scoring shots at Lalor Reserve, won comfortably through more accurate kicking, 7.9 (51) to 2.17 (29) .
Devils coach Brett Wilson said the side went into the game prepared for the wet weather.
“It was a trying day with the rain making the ball wet,” he said. “I think we were better prepared and went into the game with a team for the conditions. We went with small, quicker players to get the run and big bodies up front in the contest.”
Wilson said the Devils’ attack on the ball put his side in a prime position.
“We had 80 contested possessions, a key performance indicator we set and were able to match. We did most things right.”
Wilson said the game could have been different had the Bloods kicked straight.
“I think it was closer than the scoreboard said.
“If they had have capitalised, the game would have changed.
“When it was needed our key players lifted.”
Andrew Smith and Mitchell Kerslake kicked two goals each for the Devils, while Timothy Murphy and Dean Angelkoski were the only goalscorers for the Bloods.
Wilson named Smith and Daniel Bryant as among the game’s best players.
This week, the Devils face Fitzroy at home, while the Bloods play North Heidelberg at Shelley Street Reserve.
In other division 2 matches, a three-goal-to-one second term was the difference between Diamond Valley and Epping at Coventry Oval. The Blues won by 15 points, 7.13 (55) to 5.10 (40).
In division 1, Bundoora suffered its first loss of the season, losing to West Preston Lakeside by 12 points at Yulong Reserve. The Bulls held a four-point lead heading into the last change but weren’t able to hold on, losing 13.12 (90) to 11.12 (78).
Lower Plenty won easily against Whittlesea,
20.13 (133) to 12.13 (85).
In division 3, Thomastown defeated South Morang by 70 points, 20.13 (133) to 9.9 (63), and Reservoir was a 50-point winner over an inaccurate Watsonia, 13.10 (88) to 4.14 (38).
