Mernda still looking for improvement as it fights to cement place in NFL Division 3 top four

MERNDA coach Jason Ford says his side still has “massive improvements” to make as it looks to cement its place in the Northern Football League Division 3 top four.

Mernda coach Jason Ford dishes out instructions. Picture: Kylie Else.

MERNDA coach Jason Ford says his side still has “massive improvements” to make as it looks to cement its place in the Northern Football League Division 3 top four.

The Demons have endured mixed form over the past six weeks, losing to Epping and St Mary’s, hammering Heidelberg West and claiming close wins over Kilmore, South Morang and Banyule.

Ford said consistency had been his side’s greatest issue and remained an area it was intent on ironing out during the run home.

“We clearly know that when we’re playing well and we’re doing the things that we’re instructed to do, the side plays really well,” Ford said.

“It’s just a matter of us putting it together for four quarters.

“We seem to be playing two quarters a game and that seems to be enough to either get us over the line or make it a close run.”

The Demons are one of five teams in contention for a finals berth, with Epping, St Mary’s, South Morang and Watsonia all within three wins of each other after Round 12.

Sixth-placed Banyule remains a mathematical chance of snatching a top-four spot, but would need a sharp turn in form to close the gap between itself and the division’s top-five teams.

“Five teams don’t go into four,” Ford said.

“I spoke to (Epping coach) Greg Whitcroft (last week), I know Greg pretty well.

“He’s been around footy for a long time, I don’t think he’s ever seen a competition this close.”

Ford said the race for this year’s premiership was wide open and any of the division’s finals contenders would be capable of mounting a flag push.

The Mernda coach said skipper Les Adams, David Hutchinson and Cameron Curlis had performed strongly over the past month.

South Morang’s Craig Meredith smothers Bryce Judd’s kick in Epping’s close win over South Morang. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano.

“This time of year when the ground gets heavy, the weather is cold, that’s the time of year when your senior players and experienced players stand out,” Ford said.

“With us that’s been the case.”

Mernda held on for a six-point victory over Banyule on Saturday, triumphing 9.9 (63) to 8.9 (57).

Sebastian Latina was named the Demons’ best player in his first senior game of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Epping claimed its fifth win of 2016 by two goals or less over South Morang.

The Pingers prevailed 11.14 (80) to 12.6 (78) and remain a game clear of Mernda at the top of the table.

Watsonia climbed into the top four after a 25-point win over St Mary’s, while Heidelberg West broke through for its first victory of the season against Kilmore.

After leading by 17 points at the final break, the Hawks won 8.7 (55) to 7.8 (50).