Heidelberg West hammer NFL Division 3 rival finals contender Mernda

Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen believes a clear team identity is critical to the club’s impressive start to the season and bid to end its finals drought.

Jack Marris celebrates a goal for Heidelberg West. Picture: Hamish Blair

Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen is determined to learn from the club’s mistakes in 2019.

The Hawks made a red-hot start, winning the first five games, before fading badly in the second half of the season to miss finals.

Missen’s team has won the first two games of the 2021 NFL Division 3 campaign and are determined not to waste another opportunity.

“It’s hard to comment on 2019, they came up against some good teams and it doesn’t go so well so they changed a lot of things on the run,” he said.

“They probably forgot what they did well (at the start), so for us we’ve got a real clear identity of what we want to look like and I think as long as we stick to what works for us we should be OK.

Masaki Miki gets a kick away under pressure from Edward Mills. Picture: Hamish Blair

Billy Wright looks to get a handball away while being tackled. Picture: Hamish Blair

“I’ve said it publicly, we want to play finals.

“We’re trying to raise our standards, we want to bring the gap between our best and worst closer together – which was what was really pleasing about Saturday’s win.”

Heidelberg West showcased its potential with a 43-point hammering of fellow finals contender Mernda on Saturday, backing up a 77-point belting of Old Eltham Collegians in Round 1.

After an even first quarter the Hawks exploded in the second term, kicking six goals to two, to set up a match-winning lead, running out 15.10 (100) to 8.9 (57) winners.

Jack Marris was outstanding through midfield and up forward, kicking three goals, to lead all players along with Allan Young.

New recruit Jake Chiminello again impressed having crossed from Division 1 outfit Macleod and adapting to a new role in defence.

Tanar Peirce turns away from Billy Wright. Picture: Hamish Blair

Riley Vincent is tackled by Jack Marris. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Jack was fantastic, he pushed up into the midfield this week and that helped him get his hands on the footy early,” Missen said.

“He’s had a really big summer, so it’s good to see him get reward for effort, because he’s someone that goes under the radar externally but we really love what he does for the team.

“Jake’s been unbelievable, he didn’t get a mention in the best (on Saturday) but that was more a reflection of how even our spread has been.

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“He came to us as more of a ruck-forward but I always thought he’d make a really good key defender and he’ll only get better. He’s excited by his progress and obviously we are as well.”

Jacob Austin and youngster Tanar Pierce were Mernda’s best on the day with Bryce Kimuliatis booting two goals.

The Hawks will have the opportunity to make it three wins from three starts when they visit Crispe Park for a clash against Reservoir.

Mernda will look to bounce back at home in the traditional Anzac Day weekend clash against Laurimar.