Tara Murray
Mernda is making the most of being able to try things and rest players as it prepares for Northern Football League division 3 finals.
On Saturday the Demons officially sealed a finals spot with three rounds remaining, but coach Robert Fletcher said they felt like they had sewn up a finals spot a couple of weeks ago.
“We’ll definitely play finals and we’re trying to get the double chance,” he said.
“It’s really good with a young list. It’s been over 10 years since the club played finals, it’s an exciting time for everyone.”
On Saturday, the Demons were able to account for Kilmore, 11.9 (75)-8.7 (55).
It was one goal each in the first quarter, before the Demons kicked five goals to two in the second quarter to open the game up.
That would be the difference in the game with an even second half.
“Kilmore is always a four to five goal better side up there,” Fletcher said. “We had a good second quarter and it was even after that.
“We tried some little things with what we were doing and rested some guys for finals with a couple of big games coming up.”
Bryce Kimuliatis kicked four goals for the Demons, while Michael Evans, Billy Morrison and Riley Edwards kicked two goals apiece.
Fletcher said Morrison was one of the standouts along with Joel Harris and Dayne Kellett.
One downside was a knee injury to Daniel Smith, who didn’t play much of the game. Fletcher said that it was just bruising.
After 14 rounds, the Demons sit in second spot, percentage ahead of Laurimar. The Demons have played one less game.
Fletcher said they would continue to focus on finals for the rest of the regular season, starting with fourth placed Heidelberg West this Saturday.
“Everyone wants to get the double chance,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to play finals and we want to get the opportunity to get the double chance.
“We really want to make sure they are ready to play come the first week of finals. Make sure of a few different things to do come finals time.”
Laurimar had a good win against Heidelberg West on Saturday to remain in the mix for a top two spot.
The Power did the damage in the first half to set the game up before running away with it in the second half to win, 19.13 (127)-8.16 (64).
Meanwhile, Lalor’s hopes of a first win for the season ended in disappointment, losing 13.13 (91)-4.12 (36) to Reservoir.
