NFL 2019: North Heidelberg improves its record to 3-1 in the Northern Football League

North Heidelberg is proving its rise to Northern Football League premiership contenders last year was no fluke after a flying start to the 2019 campaign.

Daniel Bramich spoils the ball. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

Last year it was the surprise packet of the Northern Football League.

But the Bulldogs are proving their 2018 finals appearance, in their first season since returning to Division 1, was no fluke.

North Heidelberg sits third with a 3-1 record after a 44-point win over Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve on Saturday.

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Bulldogs captain Daniel Bramich described the 13.20 (98) to 7.12 (54) win as “our first real four-quarter effort for the year”.

Heidelberg spearhead Sam Grimley was kept goalless. Picture: Mark Dadswell/AAP

North Heidelberg built on its lead at every change to hand the Tigers their first defeat of the campaign.

Heidelberg has averaged 106 points in the first three rounds, but was limited to half that amount as the Bulldogs were again unbending in defence.

Their backline was led superbly by defender Ryan McGhie, while ace forward Shane Harvey kicked seven goals.

“We just tried to cut their scoring opportunities down as much as possible,” Bramich said.

“We tried to turn the ball over in our front half and give them limited shots and really focus on turning that ball over real early.”

Last year, North Heidelberg became the first team in the competition’s history to feature in top-tier finals the season after winning the Division 2 premiership.

Ex-AFL players Shane Biggs and Daniel Harris complemented an already talented list over the summer.

“Outside the club there is a bit of noise due to how well we finished the year last year, but in remembering that we lost a preliminary final by 70 points,” Bramich said.

“We still think there is plenty of work to be done.

“We sat down at the end of last year, the leadership group and the coaching staff and realised a lot of hard work went into the season.

“It doesn’t happen by chance, so we knuckled down again in the pre-season and the boys fully committed to the pre-season knowing it just doesn’t happen.

“We knew we could be thereabouts again come finals time.

“Pre-season was pretty solid by the boys and the commitment levels show it wasn’t no fluke and it is a talented group.”

North Heidelberg has also had a blessed run with injury in the opening month.

“We’re pretty healthy and the depth of the squad this year is pretty good,” Bramich said.

“I’d say it’s one of the better years we’ve had depth-wise having eight to 10 players in the twos who are pushing for senior selection most weeks.”

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