Ivanhoe edges Kinglake in wet, muddy conditions to cement top-five spot

Kinglake threw everything at Ivanhoe but the Northern league newcomers kicked away late to secure a critical win that cements its top-five place.

Ivanhoe defeats Kinglake. Picture: Field of View Photography

Ivanhoe coach Wayne Schultz labelled it a “danger game”.

Kinglake threw everything at the Hoers but they survived a big test to claim a 19-point win at Ivanhoe Park on Saturday.

The 10.13 (73) to 9.4 (58) victory cements fourth position as the club looks to play finals in its maiden NFNL Division 3 season.

Marcel Moran was the hero, consecutive goals early in the fourth term – followed by a Jordan Miller major – turning a three-point three-quarter-time lead into a game breaking 21-point advantage.

Schultz said it was a critical win in difficult conditions.

Ivanhoe defeats Kinglake. Picture: Field of View Photography

“A really great result in tough conditions, Ivanhoe Park is pretty muddy at the moment,” he said.

“We knew with the competition the way it is, it’s so even, and Kinglake have got some form up so we knew it was a danger game.

“We were really proud of the boys, we played our territory brand really well in the conditions and I asked a fair bit from them at three-quarter-time and it was good to see them respond.”

Ivanhoe jumped out to an early eight-point lead before Kinglake took control in the second term.

The home team was held goalless but did enough to retain a one-point lead at half-time.

The game opened up in the third quarter, both teams kicking three goals each, as the Hoers extended the margin slightly to three points.

Ivanhoe then took control in the final term thanks to Moran before Shane Harvey’s third goal of the day late in the game.

Daniel Jones was named best-on-ground for his work in midfield.

Ex-AFL stars Scott Selwood and Andy Otten’s experience and leadership was critical under pressure, while Ben Ernst, Jordan Miller, Stefan Zervides and Michael Doyle also impressed.

“Jonesy was super, in-and-under, the conditions suited him as an inside mid,” Schultz said.

“Winning the inside ball and getting it out, by hand and by foot a fair bit to give us territory.

“(Selwood and Otten) are amazing for our younger brigade to learn from and they were both super in the conditions.

“Otto’s hands are unbelievable and his positioning, if he didn’t win the contested mark he’d bring it to ground where it gave us opportunities, particularly in the last quarter, to hit the scoreboard.

“We’re pretty spoiled to have those boys on the park.”

Zervides had the task of stopping Harvey, who finished with three goals.

“With respect, Harvs probably wasn’t impressed with our strategy because we had Stefan play pretty tight,” Schultz said.

“I said to him after the game, we’ve got a fair bit to play for so we’re going to do everything we can to minimise his involvement for Kinglake.

“Stef did a really good job but Harvs being the player he is, you don’t have to give him much and to his credit he hit the scoreboard three times.”

For Kinglake, Mason McAllister, Tom Clarke, Lachie White and Corey Shenholds stood tall.

The result sees Ivanhoe cement itself inside the top-five, sitting fourth ahead of Epping on percentage in fifth and a game clear of sixth-placed Old Eltham Collegians.

The Hoers face Lalor and Mernda in the final fortnight.

DIV 2: LOWER PLENTY LOCKS DOWN TO CEMENT FINALS SPOT

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

WRAP: STREAKS SURVIVE AS CONTENDERS EMERGE

“There’s been no huge expectations so to be in the position we’re at, it’s fantastic for our program,” Schultz said.

“We certainly knew there was a fair bit on the line, a spot ultimately to play finals, so we have a foot in the door but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.

“We’re over the moon to think we’re in this position, there’s an opportunity that presents to play finals.”

Elsewhere in Division 3, Mernda edged Kilmore by 18 points, Epping was too strong for Heidelberg West by 49 points, Old Paradians defeated Lalor by 71 points and Fitzroy Stars hammered Reservoir by 95.