A slow start cost Fitzroy Stars in the Northern Football League division 2 grand final against North Heidelberg at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
North Heidelberg, who had to overcome a slow start themselves to win the preliminary final against Mernda, weren’t going to make the same mistake two weeks in a row.
They kicked four goals to none in the first quarter and had eight by half-time against just one for the Stars.
The Stars finally kicked into gear in the second half but were too far behind to make any real inroads into the lead as North Heidelberg won 16.18 (114) to 11.12 (78).
Star forward Shane Harvey kicked seven for North Heidelberg and Jesse Tardio was best on ground.
In division 1, Greensborough is through to the grand final with a 19-point win over Macleod.
The third quarter was the difference between the two sides, with Greensborough kicking seven goals to three in the 19.14 (128) to 16.13 (109) win.
Rhys Boyden kicked five for Greensborough and Jason Rogers was best afield.
Greensborough will play Heidelberg in the grand final at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
