NFL 2019: Northcote Park sweeps aside Bundoora by 35 points in Division 1

The Northern Football League got a taste of what is to come from Northcote Park this year after it opened the Division 1 season in style.

Northcote Park’s Ricky Fandrich on the burst on Friday night. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Northern Football League got a taste of what is to come from Northcote Park this year after it opened the Division 1 season in style with a 35-point win on Friday night.

Jackson Starcevich booted five goals in a best-on-ground performance as the Cougars overcame rival Bundoora 13.8 (86) to 7.9 (51).

YOUR ULTIMATE NFL DIVISION 1 SEASON PREVIEW

THE BIGGEST RECRUITS IN LOCAL FOOTY

A fine third-quarter was the catalyst for Northcote Park’s win at Bill Lawry oval, kicking five goals to two and opening up a 30-point margin at the final change.

Coach Matt McLennan said the performance was reward for the progress made during summer.

Northcote Park Matt McLennan calls the shots. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We have always been a really strong attacking team, but we’ve been hurt on the way back,” he said.

“We worked a lot on our defensive structure over the summer period and it was good to roll it out — I was really happy with that third quarter.

“We got our spread right. Bundoora had been playing with a man behind the ball, but we manned that up and were able to break down their structures.”

Brock McLennan gets a kick away for Northcote Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Tom Jackson and Ricky Fandrich booted two goals apiece, Lachlan Boscarini was “sensational” off halfback and WAFL recruit Charles Le Fanu was influential.

Kyle Galloway also impressed on his debut, with the 209cm big man taking on three-time Frank Rosbrook medallist Matty Dennis and “handled his moment”.

With a crunch clash against reigning premier West Preston-Lakeside next on the agenda, McLennan said another win going into the Easter break would be ideal, adding “we would rather be the hunted than the hunter”.

Bundoora’s David Mitchell is put under pressure by Northcote Park’s Tyson Old. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s just such a close competition — all the footy managers across the league have done a terrific job,” he said.

“The league has not been this strong for a while.

“All the games are basically eight-pointers at this stage of the season.”

Brock McLennan went down with a hamstring injury late in the third quarter, but the coach was happy with the potential replacements.

WAFL recruit Hugo Breakey was the Cougars’ best player in the reserves, while Mahmoud El-Achkar could make his senior debut after impressing during pre-season.

Gary Moorcroft kicked three goals for Bundoora, while Luke Collins, Daniel Guccione and Travis Keating were named the best for the losing side.

Bundoora will next host North Heidelberg on Saturday.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

- Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

- Unprecedented AFL coverage.

- All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

- Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

- Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.