By Tara Murray
Lalor has been rewarded for hard pre-season work with its first win of the Northern Football League division 3 season.
Having had a bye in round two, the Bloods entered the match against Reservoir fresh after two weeks off.
After an even start, the Mustangs led at quarter-time.
From that moment on, the game was all the Bloods as they ran away to a 22.14 (146)-12.8 (80) win.
Bloods coach Gary Cutler said it was a special day for the club – getting the win and playing on Anzac Day.
“We’ve worked really hard and things didn’t go to plan three weeks ago,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to play on Anzac Day – it’s not just about football.”
Cutler said the Mustangs brought the heat early in the game, but weren’t able to sustain it.
He said his players were all on the same page.
“We run hard and we believe that we can run out games,” he said.
Sam Rexhepi showed why he was seen as an important recruit.
He kicked seven goals, while missing a few shots and handing a couple of other goals off.
Cutler said Spencer Christopher (five goals), in his first game back, and Ben Curtiss (four goals) were other stand-outs.
Cutler said it would take some time for the team to fully get going, with the players learning a new game plan and some learning different positions.
Lalor are fifth after three rounds.
Cutler said they would get a clearer indication of where they sat in the next couple of weeks.
“The standard of the division has improved,” he said.
“Laurimar and Panton Hill look to be the stand-outs, while Heidelberg West, my old club, is 3-0 and up there. We think we will be in the fight for third or fourth. We can’t see why we shouldn’t be aiming for that spot.”
After a tough 12 months at the club, Cutler said things were going really well.
The reserves have won both their matches after not winning a match last season.
Cutler said depth had improved, with players competing for spots in both teams.
In other division 3 matches, Laurimar remains undefeated after beating Mernda on Anzac Day, with the Power sneaking home 15.13 (103)-14.15 (99).
Heidelberg West also won a thriller, beating South Morang
14.12 (96)-14.7 (91).
In division 1, Bundoora is on a roll after beating Lower Plenty 16.17 (113)-6.7 (43).
In division 2, Diamond Creek beat Epping, Eltham was too good for Whittlesea and Thomastown beat Fitzroy Stars.
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