Heidelberg begins NFNL Division 1 premiership defence with win over North Heidelberg
Heidelberg kicked off its NFNL Division 1 premiership defence with a derby win over North Heidelberg as boom recruit Tom Keys stole the show.
Northern
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A six-star performance from Tom Keys stole the show at Shelley Reserve on Saturday night.
The big-name Heidelberg recruit booted six goals to power his new club to a season-opening 35-point derby win over North Heidelberg.
While the Tigers kicked off their NFNL Division 1 premiership defence in style, the Bulldogs will rue inaccuracy in front of goal in the 12.13 (85) to 6.14 (50) defeat.
Despite missing a host of stars, Heidelberg still fielded 16 premiership players from last season.
Keys proved his worth while fellow recruit Adam Galgano produced the highlight of the night as he ran around the man on the mark before slotting an audacious checkside goal from the boundary.
Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli was pleased with his side’s first showing.
“It’s always nice to come here and take four points away,” Dattoli said.
“First rounds are tricky, everyone is super excited to play footy, and the pressure from both sides was really good.
“We were happy with how we settled from the second quarter onwards but there’s still plenty to improve on.
“We’re throwing a few things around just for different looks to see what happens as the season progresses because you just never know.”
North Heidelberg jumped out to a quarter-time lead as key forwards Adam Giobbi and Parker Heatley looked dangerous.
It was the Tigers who were inaccurate, kicking 1.4 in the first term, before finding their range in the second.
Keys kicked three goals, while Zane Barzen and Nathan Honey also hit the scoreboard, while North kicked 1.5 as the visitors took a 17-point advantage into half-time.
Keys’ fourth came after a superb tap from ruckman Mitch Jorgensen found a charging Brayden Sier, who delivered perfectly inside 50m.
Zane Anderson broke North’s drought, which had seen them kick 1.10, but Galgano’s stunning goal sent Heidelberg into the final break with a 34-point lead.
The Bulldogs pushed hard at the start of the final term but Keys kicked two quick goals to all but end the contest.
Dattoli had high praise for his new man, who also impressed in stints in the ruck.
“Tom Keys played his first game and was instrumental, unbelievable,” he said.
“That wasn’t on the cards in pre-season but we were fortunate enough to sit down at the back-end of January and twist his arm to play footy.
“Everyone that knows Tom Keys, his ability to play as a mid or ruckman, he’s super competitive and super strong.
“We’re pretty happy to have him as part of his mix, losing Sammy Gilmore and replacing him with Tom Keys as been a positive.”
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Dylan Clarke, Dan O’Dwyer and Mitch Kane also impressed in the win.
For North Heidelberg, Giobbi finished with two majors, while Nick Matthews shone in defence and Jesse Tardio, Tom Wallis and Curtis Brown stood tall.
Elsewhere in Division 1, Montmorency eased past Bundoora by 22 points, while Hurstbridge defeated Eltham by 26.
Banyule too care of Macleod by 18 points, kicking 12.22 and Greensborough edged West Preston-Lakeside by 12 points.
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