Heidelberg powers away to record big win over NFNL Division 1 rival Montmorency

Heidelberg has been a class above its NFNL Division 1 rivals all season on the back of enviable depth and one major weapon. The latest example, a big win over Montmorency.

Heidelberg captain Keenan Posar. Picture: Field of View Photography

At half-time on Saturday, Heidelberg led Montmorency by two points.

By the final siren, the margin was 54 points and the Tigers’ undefeated NFNL Division 1 campaign marched on.

The dominant 18.16 (124) to 11.4 (70) triumph over Montmorency at Warringal Park is the latest example of the Tigers most feared weapon – its second half.

The three-time reigning premier has simply blown teams out of the water after half-time.

In 13 rounds Heidelberg has averaged 68.8 points in second halves, while conceding just 25.7 points, an average margin of 43 points.

Meanwhile, the Tigers average 54.7 points in first halves and, while they’ve only trailed once – Hurstbridge in Round 9 – they have been matched by the Magpies in both clashes.

Eltham was within two points at half-time in Round 7, while West Preston-Lakeside (seven points) and Greensborough (13 points) have also tested them.

Yet, the average winning margin is 70 points.

Heidelberg coach Vinny Dattoli said it had been a hallmark of the season so far.

“We’re really happy with that,” Dattoli said.

“Our pre-season, the conditioning component in particular, was a lot more brutal than it has been in the past.

“We’re quite clear that we’re the hunted, and we embrace that, so we needed to be ready for everything that’s thrown at us.

“So, we’ve been rapt with our second halves.”

Heidelberg were wasteful in the first half, kicking 1.6 in the first quarter and going to half-time 5.10, but with a slender lead.

Dattoli said the home truths were delivered at the break and he was pleased with the response.

Brody Tardio kicks goal for Heidelberg. Picture: Andrew Batsch

The Tigers stormed home, booting an improved 13.6 and finished with 10 different goalscorers.

“Our connection (was missing), there were a few stern words at half-time because we were messy in the second quarter,” Dattoli said.

“We cleaned up our act and got on with it, so it was good to see the boys respond.

“(A spread of goalkickers) that’s been regular for us, that’s been happening for the past two or three years.

“We have a clear focus that we don’t rely on one person, so the spread is quite normal.”

With leading forward Zane Barzen recovering from a knee injury, Jack Andrew led the way with four majors, while Sam Gilmore and Dante Iacovone each kicked three.

Kai Kearns earned best-on-ground honours in a run-with role against Magpies prime-mover Marcus Lentini, while Matt Cecchin, Jack McKenna, Kieren Andrew, Jack Andrew and Gilmore also impressed.

Stepping up from reserves or under-19s, the likes of Iacovone, McKenna, Zac Harwood, Callan Healy and Joel Kleiman haven’t looked out of place.

Dattoli said it was one of the benefits of such a strong squad.

“We’re trying to get some extra games into some different guys and give them experience,” he said.

“We’re trying to manage, when you’ve been on top for a while, you try to manage loads and the fact our depth goes extremely deep we’ve got no issue playing different guys in different spots and rotating the whole club around.

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“You’ve got to reward your reserves, 100 per cent you do, you’ve got to get growth into them as well.”

Heidelberg is now five games clear on top of the ladder and faces South Morang, Greensborough, Eltham, Bundoora and Hurstbridge in the run home.

Despite a third straight loss, Montmorency remains third on the ladder and tackles North Heidelberg at home next week.

Round 13 will continue next week.