By Tara Murray
Epping was made to work hard for the points against Mernda in the local derby in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.
With finals spots on the line, the match was crucial for both teams in the scheme of things.
The two sides traded the lead throughout the match with the Pingers doing enough to win, 12.7 (79)-9.13 (67).
Pingers coach Brad Hollow said the game was what they expected.
“It was a really hard game,” he said. “You always expect a hard game from Mernda no matter where you are on the ladder.
“It was a tough one. We weren’t able to train on the ground during the week.”
Hollow said the lack of training during the week showed in the game with their skills not where they needed to be.
He said it showed they still had some work to do.
Hollow said the match came down to being better in the key moments especially late.
“It was a difficult one, that was for sure,” he said. “Mernda has lost a few with injury or departing since Fletch [Rob Fletcher] has left.
“They were a bit undermanned but still fought well. Our experience got us over the top in the end.”
Matthew Williamson kicked five goals for the Pingers and was a key down forward.
Hollow said Marc Tartaglia and Brent Macaffer were the standouts in a really good all round game for the team.
He said Macaffer had been really good all year despite copping a tag most weeks.
“There’s always someone close to him and it depends on how they are to him,” he said. “We’re working with him to try and adjust and figure it out.”
Lincoln Coffey, Billy Morrison and Lachlan Taylor were named the Demons best. Taylor finished with three goals.
The Pingers sit in third spot after playing 12 games, while Mernda is in sixth spot just outside of the top five.
Hollow said they wanted to finish in second spot, behind Fitzroy Stars which had a break on the competition,
“The Stars did the job against Laurimar so we are one game closer to Laurimar, which we play this week,” he said.
“It will be an absolute cracker.
“Top two is our main aim we are fighting for. Hopefully we can have a good week on the track.”
Laurimar fell just short against Fitzroy Stars in the top of the table clash.
The Stars had to come from behind at three quarter time to win, 11.10 (76)-10.8 (68).
Luke Wilson, Ethan Bateman and Micah Vecchio were named the Power’s best.
Elsewhere Lalor lost to Kilmore, 12.12 (84)-5.6 (36).
The margin was just 16 points at half time before Lalor was kept goalless in the second half to ends its hopes of a second win for the season.
