If early indications are a sign of things to come, the Northern Football League’s division 3 competition will be a close one.
After three rounds, only one side is without a win, while Watsonia is the only side undefeated, though it’s also had a bye.
Picture gallery: Epping v South Morang
On Saturday, Epping shocked many with a strong win over South Morang, which had been impressive in the opening two rounds.
For Pingers coach Steve Power, getting a good start was the key to his side’s 15.13 (103) to 11.8 (74) win.
“South Morang has been the benchmark of the competition and was really busy in the off-season; we knew we would be up against it,” Power said.
“Once we got off to the good start, we controlled most of the game.
“In the third quarter, they came at us and, credit to our boys, we kicked the last four goals.”
Power said not letting the Lions run away with the game when they were in control was part of the learning process for his young side.
“We’re still a young side and the hardest part is getting them to play good football for four quarters.
“Against South Morang, we played well for three-and-a-half quarters. The boys are learning how to play better for longer.”
Chris Chilcott kicked five goals for the Pingers, while Thomas Hughes, Daniel Moore, Shane Wood and Leigh Judd were among the best on field.
Power said going to the ANZAC Day dawn service set the tone for the day’s play.
“We had 22 players contribute and, for a side like this that doesn’t have superstars, we need everyone to contribute.”
The Pingers now have two wins and a four-point loss in the opening three rounds.
For the Lions, Simon Crump kicked five goals.
In division 1, Bundoora scored its first win for the season against West Preston Lakeside, winning 12.12 (84) to 9.15 (69).
Little separated the teams all day, but the Bulls kept the Roosters goalless in the final quarter to take the points.
In division 2, a wasteful Diamond Creek and Lalor couldn’t be separated at the final siren.
Diamond Creek had five more scoring shots than the Bloods but wasn’t able to convert, with the final score 5.15 (45) to 6.9 (45) draw.
Thomastown is the only undefeated side in division 2 after beating Fitzroy Stars. Whittlesea thumped Mernda, which is on the bottom of the ladder without a win.
