Hurstbridge secures its place in NFL Division 1 by thumping Northcote Park

Joel Naylor bagged 10 goals to lead Hurstbridge to a thumping win over Northcote Park and secure the Bridges’ top-flight future.

Hurstbridge’s Joel Naylor kicked 10 goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hurstbridge secured its place in NFL Division 1 for 2023 with a dominant 53-point win over relegation rival Northcote Park on Saturday.

An outstanding 10-goal haul from star forward Joel Naylor inspired the Bridges’ romp, while skipper Lachie East and VFL gun Sunny Brazier ran rampant.

A brutal eight-goal blitz in the first quarter put the home team in the box seat from the start as they triumphed 17.7 (109) to 7.14 (56).

Hurstbridge co-coach Jarrod Tilley said his players were well aware of the stakes and rose to the occasion.

“It was a big result, there was a fair bit riding on it, so it was good to come away with the win,” he said.

Hurstbridge’s Joel Naylor marks over Northcote Park’s Ayui Makiemg. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Joel Naylor finished with 10 goals for Hurstbridge. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It wasn’t our last chance but with the season coming to a close it was definitely brought up, everyone knew what the situation was.

“The boys knew where we were at, we’d been playing well, so we knew if we went out and play the way we had been we should be able to get the job done.”

Naylor’s bag is the equal biggest of the season, joining Montmorency Patrick Fitzgerald’s 10 against Hurstbridge.

The career-best haul takes him to a career-high season tally and sees him jump up to third on the competition goalkicking chart.

The key forward booted eight majors in the first half – including six consecutive goals – to stake the Bridges to a 60-point half-time lead.

Tilley was delighted with his performance.

“Joel played a big part in it, that’s for sure,” he said.

“He certainly got some good service, which makes a difference.

Hurstbridge and Northcote Park players fly for the mark. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“When you’ve got a guy down there and you kick it to his advantage, he can do the rest.

“We’ve made it hard work for him at times during the year by sitting it his head but he got some good service (on Saturday) and he played his part.”

East was prolific off half-back, providing line-breaking run-and-carry to keep Hurstbridge on the front foot all day.

Making a return from Northern Bullants VFL duty, Sunny Brazier impressed in midfield with his ability to win the ball inside and hit targets.

Tilley reserved special praise for 17-year-old 23rd man Zac Manzer who caught the eye in his senior debut.

“Zac got the opportunity to play the 23rd man and he came in and didn’t get over-awed,” he said.

“He played out on the wing, did his job, got a few touches, didn’t panic and set up a couple of goals and got one for himself at the end, which was great.

“He’s still only 17 I think so it was great to see someone like Zac get an opportunity and make the most of it.”

Sitting a game clear of Northcote Park and percentage ahead of the Cougars and Whittlesea, Hurstbridge can start planning for next season.

Tilley said playing at the highest level would continue to develop the club and help cement it as a NFL Division 1 club.

“We’ve got a young list, so the more opportunity to play in one of the best competitions going around – Northern footy league Div 1 – that’s where we want to be,” he said.

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“We’ve had a good look at it now for a few years and hopefully we can start building up the ladder and the goal is to play finals in Div 1.”

The Bridges finish the home-and-away season with games against West Preston-Lakeside (away) and Whittlesea (home).

Lachie King was Northcote Park’s best in defeat, while Matt D’Angelo, Ben McNiece, Ricky Fandrich (two goals) and Matt Perry also stood tall.

The Cougars face Bundoora and Heidelberg in the final fortnight as they look for a miracle to survive the drop.