Lalor isn’t panicking despite winning only two of its first six games in the Northern Football League division 2 season.
Last year’s runners-up is struggling to find the level of momentum it had late last year and has been made to pay.
On Saturday, Lalor was competitive in the first half against North Heidelberg before being given a football lesson in the second. The Bloods kicked just three goals in the second half to lose 18.17 (125)-9.4 (58), after trailing by eight points at the main break.
Bloods’ president Rodney Lowry said they would take a lot out of the loss.
“We had a great first half and then faded away,” he said.
“They gave us a lesson in football – they are one of the best sides in the competition. We need to regroup and get ready to take on Hurstbridge.”
Todd Hughes kicked four goals for the Bloods and was named his side’s best.
Despite winning only two matches, the Bloods are just a win outside the top four after playing every team once.
“Honestly it is the closest competition I’ve seen,” Lowry said. “The top two sides will probably clear away, but there’s still 10 rounds to go.”
The Bloods will have to do it without Ben Curtiss, who has been de-registered after copping an eight-week suspension that put him over the 16-game suspension limit for local football.
“We appealed and were unsuccessful,” Lowry said. “He is one of our best players and a big part of our club. We’ll absolutely still have him involved, just not playing.”
Lowry said the club would look at trying to get Curtiss re-registered for next season.
Also sitting on two wins is Thomastown. The Bears lost to Panton Hill 19.13 (127)-10.10 (70) on Saturday.
Six goals to Gary Moorcroft led Bundoora to a 11.8 (74)-8.8 (56) win over Northcote Park in division 1. Whittlesea suffered a 96-point loss to Macleod.
In division 3, Epping, Mernda and South Morang won their matches. Epping remains on top of the ladder, percentage ahead of St Mary’s and Mernda. South Morang is fourth.
