EDFL: Nick Meese and Aberfeldie come from behind against Avondale Heights

Aberfeldie star Nick Meese’s incredible dominance over Avondale Heights has continued as coach Adam Marcon pinpointed the key factors in his side’s comeback win.

Nick Meese loves playing against Avondale Heights.

Since signing for Aberfeldie at the start of the 2021 season, the R.S. Reynolds medallist has been named in the best three times against Heights.

That includes two straight best on ground displays — the latest coming in his side’s 13.13 (91) to 12.6 (78) come from behind on Anzac Day.

Aberfeldie coach Adam Marcon described the former VFL big man as the “barometer” of the second half as Abers overturned a 22-point halftime deficit.

“Nick was the one who really started to get the ball going our way,” he said.

“Our midfield was able to get on top of in the second half and that allowed us to create more opportunities for our forwards.

“We’re very fortunate to have a dominant big man in our side who can turn a game in our favour.

“I thought the boys were able to rally behind his efforts.”

Nick Meese was best on ground for Aberfeldie. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Aberfeldie kicked 7.7 to 2.1 in the second half after allowing Heights to play the game on their terms in the opening 60 minutes.

While Meese took the plaudits for his second half display teammates including Daniel Thompson, Luke Davis, Stefan Rasinac, Sam Cattapan and Jack Binns proved pivotal in the turnaround on Monday.

“It’s not the way we wanted the game to pan out in the first two quarters,” Marcon said.

“Full credit to Avondale Heights for the way they were able to dictate the game to us. The playing group has been really receptive to feedback since I took over and they implemented the things we asked of them at halftime.

“I thought we were able to get on top more in the contested game and that allowed us to play the game in our forward half.

“Our second half was a great sign of the resilience we do have.”

Jayden Foster flies for mark. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The Anzac Day clash was just the beginning of a huge fortnight for Marcon’s side who will now take on Keilor on the back of a five-day turnaround.

“We didn’t play for 16 days between rounds 2 and 3 so I’d like to think we’d still be pretty fresh,” he said.

“We’ll have a strong focus on recovery this week at training but we’re excited about the prospect of playing one of the best teams in the competition.”

Aaron Clarke finished with five goals. Picture: Stuart Milligan

For Avondale Heights, Aaron Clarke was impressive with five goals to take his season tally to 10 majors from two games.

Connor Byrne, Bradley Robb, Jackson Robb, Josiah Garisto and Hamish Murphy also battled hard in a losing effort.

They’ll now face the winless Essendon Doutta Stars away from home.