Lalor wanted to prove it’s a finals contender and did just that against Mernda in Northern Football League’s division 2 on Saturday.
The Bloods, fourth on the table going into the clash, outran the second-placed Demons in the final quarter to win 13.14 (92) to 11.9 (75).
PICTURE GALLERY: Lalor v Mernda
Nothing separated the teams for the first three quarters, but Bloods coach Steve Marshall said his side wanted victory more in the final quarter.
“It was a pretty tough slog and we led and then they led.
“It was a bit of a choppy day and a bit muddy, and they’re a good side.
“I thought they [Mernda] would want to fight back after losing last week. We showed spirit in the final term and with the win have put ourselves in finals contention.”
Scott Dowell was best on ground with six goals.
“He normally plays on the wing and I put him forward,” Marshall said. “He can play everywhere and we thought we had a mismatch with him forward and it showed to be a good move.
“Ross Tsipiras played really well in his first game up from under-19s, bit it was a real team effort.”
For the Demons, David Hutchinson kicked five goals.
The win puts the Bloods two games clear of fifth-placed Epping.
“I think there’s a bit of self-belief in the side now,” Marshall said. “Last season we finished second-last. We’ve done a lot of hard work over the past six months and we’re believing in each other and, hopefully, we can go further in the season.
“We just need to continue improving in everything we do.”
The Bloods face Diamond Creek this week.
Elsewhere in division 2, Epping lost 15.11 (101) to 12.13 (85) against Panton Hill.
In Division 1, Bundoora lost to West Preston Lakeside 16.9 (105) to 12.10 (82) despite six goals from Gary Moorcroft and Whittlesea fell agonisingly short of its first win of the season losing to Heidelberg 11.14 (80) to 11.7 (73).
In division 3, Thomastown and South Morang were both easy winners, over Watsonia and Parkside respectively.
