It may have been a battle between the top two teams on the ladder, but Mernda was no match for North Heidelberg in Northern Football League’s division 2 on Saturday.
The unbeaten Bulldogs flexed their muscles and showed they’re well ahead of the rest with a 100-point win against their nearest challengers, 25.8 (158) to 8.10 (58).
Demons coach Brett Wilson said it was a learning experience for his side.
“They had a lot of seasoned campaigners and we went in with a very young side,” he said.
“They had several players who have played division one and made us play into their hands. We didn’t stick to our structures.”
Wilson said he would look to take the positives out of the game.
“We exposed three 17-year-olds to playing against senior players,” he said. “Hopefully, the boys learn from it and today’s experience will be good for the longevity of the club and results in the future.”
Luke Shelton kicked three goals for the Demons.
“Les Adams and Luke up forward stood up for us,” Wilson said. “If not for them the defeat would have been a lot bigger.”
Wilson said the club would get a number of injured players back over the next three weeks.
“We were missing our key forward, a couple of key backs and some of our second-string midfielders,” he said.
“We’re yet to play with a full side on the park and I’m itching to see that happen.”
This week Mernda faces Lalor, which had a 30-point win against Epping at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Best on ground Scott Morrison kicked six for Lalor in the 15.11 (101) to 11.5(71) result, while Joshua Stavely kicked five for the Blues.
Thomastown suffered its first loss of the season in division 3, losing to Reservoir by 10 points.
The Bears left too much to do in the final quarter, giving up a 30-point lead at the last change. Despite kicking six goals to three in the final term they went down 14.17 (101) to 13.13 (91).
South Morang returned to the winners’ list with a 42-point win over Heidelberg West, 13.11 (89) to 7.5 (47).
