Michael Florance inspires North Heidelberg to thrilling win over Macleod before walking down aisle
A best-on-ground performance from North Heidelberg ruckman Michael Florance not only inspired the Bulldogs to a thrilling win over NFL Division 1 rivals Macleod, it was the perfect warm-up to his wedding.
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It was a weekend to remember for North Heidelberg big man Michael Florance.
A best-on-ground performance in the Bulldogs’ thrilling one-point NFL Division 1 win over Macleod on Saturday and what was surely an equally impressive performance at his wedding on Sunday.
North Heidelberg captain Daniel Bramich had nothing by praise for his ruckman.
“It was a shock for him to actually be playing because he’s getting married (Sunday),” he said.
“Daniel Harris gave him a bit of a pep talk and told him he could be the difference in the game.
“He was huge around the ground for us, taking contested marks and giving our midfielders first use.
“He probably only came off for four or five minutes in the last two quarters. As a solo big man, that’s a huge effort.”
The Bulldogs were pushed to the limit as Macleod stormed home in the final quarter but the visitors were ultimately undone by inaccuracy in front of goal.
North Heidelberg led by six points at three-quarter-time but found itself six points down entering time-on.
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However, youngster Braidyn Hirt snapped a miraculous goal to level the scores and a rushed behind with just minutes on the clock put the Dogs in front.
With its season potentially on the line, Macleod launched one more attack but a costly free kick against sealed the game.
Bramich said securing hard-fought wins over rivals would hold his side in good stead for the business end of the season.
“Their season was on the line, they’re a good side, so we expected them to come at some stage,” he said.
“We spoke after the game, these wins — when you haven’t played your best footy — are character-building for the season to come.
“There will be times where we’ll be in similar positions during the season or in finals we know we can compose ourselves.
“Young Bluey Hirt’s goal, a 50-50 ball he snapped out of the pack, for a 17-year-old to kick a goal like that at a crucial moment was a really good effort.”
After playing the stand-alone Queen’s Birthday weekend game, the Bulldogs have this weekend off before returning to action against arch-rivals Heidelberg on June 22.
The blockbuster clash looms as a finals preview with the two clubs sitting second and third.
“If Heidelberg manage a win next week, we’ll be equal second with them and we’re a game clear in the top three,” Bramich said.
“Coming finals time you want to be in the top three — so a double chance — but there it’s still a long way away.”
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