A dominant third quarter lifts Heidelberg past cross-town rival North Heidelberg

Despite rain and slippery conditions, Heidelberg’s tall timber shone in the local derby and there’s some good news on the injury front.

Josh Daniel in action for Heidelberg. Picture: Nathan McNeil

On a day suited to contested footy, it was Heidelberg’s tall timber that shone brightest.

Josh Daniels, Josh Minogue, Sam Gilmore and Zane Barzen starred in Heidelberg’s 22-point derby win over NFL Division 1 rival North Heidelberg on Saturday.

Rain swept over Warringal Park throughout the match but the Tigers were able to move the ball from end to end consistently in the slippery conditions.

Missing Anthony Daw and Zach Reichart, the Bulldogs had no answers for Tigers pair Gilmore and Minogue in the ruck, allowing the likes of Matt Smith, Dylan Clarke and Lachie Wilson to go to work.

Daniel marked strongly around the ground, while Barzen impressed at centre half-back in the 14.6 (90) to 10.8 (68) victory.

Heidelberg’s Lachlan Wilson in action. Picture: Andy Brownbill

North’s manic pressure had it on top for large parts of the first half, trailing by a single point at half-time, before the Tigers’ piled on six goals to one in the third term blew the game open.

Tigers coach Danny Nolan was pleased with response after half-time.

“It was scrappy, we were a bit fumbly, but that was because of the pressure – it was red hot – and we found another gear after half-time,” he said.

“They came to play and we had to match it, we were really happy with the third quarter, that was our style of footy and it won us the game.

“We had to take advantage with their two ruckmen out and Sammy was one of our best players, if not our best.

“That was the difference in the midfield, especially in the third quarter, I think we won the centre clearances four-zip.

“I thought Josh Daniels was fantastic, he just keeps presenting, presenting, he’s a real workhorse.

“He’s only young, it’s his first year out of 19s, and he’s been a real find – he’s a Heidelberg junior – and he’s an important part of our team.”

Kieren Andrew also impressed in defence, keeping Shane Harvey to two goals and providing drive off half-back.

However, the win was soured with a possible knee injury to youngster Isaac Wallace.

The small forward had two goals before going down after a marking contest in the third quarter and was taken straight to the rooms.

Ex-AFL star Brayden Sier missed the match after injuring his hamstring in the win over Whittlesea and will also miss the blockbuster clash against Bundoora but hopes to return the following week.

Nick O’Neill and Josh Doherty battled manfully in the ruck for North Heidelberg against the expertise of Gilmore.

Jesse Tardio fought valiantly against the tidal wave of Heidelberg possession, while Bulldogs best-and-fairest Charles Le Fanu was excellent in defence.

North coach Jason Heatley hopes to regain Reichart for the match against Montmorency on Saturday but has no timeline for Daw’s return.

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After a one-point loss to Montmorency a fortnight ago, the Tigers have won back-to-back games and sit on top of the ladder.

Nolan knows every win is vital.

“It’s a good comp, it’s a red-hot comp, so you’ve got to keep winning those hard ones,” he said.

“We lost one two weeks ago by a point, so we’ve got to keep winning, there’s five or six sides that can win it this year and we want to be one of them.”