Last time Lalor stepped on to the field in the Northern Football League, it lost to Mernda in the division 2 finals.
On Saturday, the two met again, this time for the season’s opening round … and it was a very different result, the Bloods winning 17.13 (115) to 10.7 (67).
Picture gallery: Lalor v Mernda
Bloods president Rodney Lowry said it was just the start the club had hoped for.
The first quarter and first half of the game split evenly before the Bloods kicked away in the second half, booting 10 goals to Mernda’s five.
“[The loss in last year’s final] was a bit of a driver for the win. We wanted to make a statement in the opening round,” Lowry said.
“Once we got the game plan going, we were in a good position.
“It was a positive day all-around for the club.”
Todd Hughes kicked five goals for the Bloods and was among its best players, while Spencer Christopher was voted best on ground.
For the Demons, Adrian Stefanlie kicked three goals and Andrew O’Reilly was named their best.
Lowry said it was an even effort from all players that secured the win.
“The recruits and a couple of boys from the under-19s, who have stepped up and will go a long way, have settled in really well,” he said.
“It was a great performance across the board.”
The Bloods, who are one of the league’s lower-profile clubs, had a turnover of 18 players in the off-season.
Harley Ryan and Shane Jacobs, both named among the best on Saturday, are two of the more experienced players to come to the club.
“The reserves have been struggling for a while and adding more players to the club will help them make an impact as well,” Lowry said, adding that making finals again was the club’s aim.
“It’s such a tight division and you won’t know until round three where everyone sits. We’re happy with the first week and now we’ll take it week by week.”
Joining Lalor atop the division 2 ladder are Thomastown and Whittlesea.
The Bears’ clash with Panton Hill went down to the wire, the Bears scraping home 10.12 (72) to 10.8 (68).
The Eagles led from start to finish against Diamond Creek, winning 13.10 (88) to 8.8 (56).
In division 1, Bundoora lost to Heidelberg 14.18 (102) to 10.15 (75), while Epping and South Morang won in division 3.
