Burnside Heights hold on in a thriller against Sunbury Kangaroos

Several recruits were front and centre in Burnside Heights’ thrilling EDFL season opening win on Saturday as a pair of young guns and experienced heads put on a show.

What a way for Cole Harvey to start his senior coaching career at Burnside Heights.

His recruits fired and the Bears hung on 12.11 (83) to 11.14 (80) in an Essendon District league thriller against the Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday afternoon.

Appointed last year, Harvey has been tasked with leading the Bears back towards the top-four after his showcasing his ability to develop young talent at Hillside — who went the under-18 Division 1 premiership last season.

And he’s already seeing the rewards of a first pre-season in charge.

“I reckon I gained 50 grey hairs and lost about 50 dark ones,” Harvey joked on Monday when asked how he felt about the result.

“Even when we were leading by 28 points at three-quarter-time, I was a little concerned because Sunbury Kangaroos were kicking with the breeze and majority of the scoring had been done to that end.

Burnside held on for a thrilling victory. Photo: Facebook.

“We missed a couple of opportunities and so did they but thankfully we managed to hang on. We’ve got a very young group so every week is going to be a challenge for us.

“We’re going to have periods in games that are going to test us but we’re ready for those challenges.

“When I was going through the interview process for this role, I made it clear to the club I want to develop the young guys and they’ve been very supportive of that decision.”

Since his appointment, Harvey has built further depth on the Bears list.

Some players followed him across from Hillside while experienced veterans have walked through the door.

Among them is Dion Lawson, who has a strong reputation level as a damaging midfielder who can go forward and kick goals.

He along with reigning Division 2 league best-and-fairest Jordan Hughes led the Bears to victory.

“His debut was outstanding,” Harvey said of his star recruit.

“His work on the inside was great, his ability to get his hands on the ball and distribute is something you can’t teach. His left foot was very accurate.

“We’re working really well together, we’ve bounced off each other. Then there was Jordy who was enormous, you don’t expect any less from him.”

Dion Lawson impressed in his first game for Burnside Heights.

Matt Romeo led the way with three goals for the Bears while Liam Mercieca, Lawson and Hughes all kicked two each.

Ferdinando Peatraca and Sebastian Gatherer also impressed.

Debutant Antonio Vitalone won strong praise from Hughes for his performance opposed to Kangaroos star Rhys Magin.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Rhys, he is one of the best players in the competition,” Harvey said.

“What a terrific experience it was for Antonio to play on a guy of his ability and I thought he held his own.

“Josh Neralic did a great job in defence as well. We threw him into the ruck in the last quarter and he played out the whole 30 minutes.

“That took a lot of courage from an 18-year-old kid.”

John Corso was named best afield for the Kangaroos as Mitch Kook battled hard with two goals.

The Bears will now turn their attention to a huge clash with Coburg Districts on Anzac Day eve against Coburg Districts.

Meanwhile the Kangaroos aim to bounce back against premiership contender Oak Park.