Kinglake is the last remaining undefeated team in NFNL Division 3

Kinglake is the last remaining undefeated team in NFNL Division 3 after beating Mernda in a top-of-the-table clash to continue its dream start.

Kinglake remains undefeated in Division 3. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Kinglake’s dream start to the NFNL Division 3 season continued on Saturday.

The Lakers are the last undefeated team in the competition after a 36-point win over Mernda in a top-of-the-table clash at Memorial Oval.

A dominant first three quarters set up the 17.15 (117) to 12.9 (81) win as the Demons kicked seven last-quarter goals to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

However, coach Andrew Fairchild isn’t getting carried away despite the club’s perfect start in its Northern Football Netball League return.

“That’s probably as good as we’ve played under me, I’m really proud of the boys,” Fairchild said.

Kinglake remains undefeated in Division 3. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“We’re really clear on where we want to be, finals is our goal.

“We understand it’s going to be a really competitive season and if don’t bring that pressure and intensity we’ll get beaten – Mernda proved that in the last quarter.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, it’s a great start but we’ve got 13 games to go.

“We’ve still got to play Heidelberg West, Old Eltham, Fitzroy and Laurimar, so we understand there’s some big challenges that await us.”

Kinglake jumped out to a 28-point lead at quarter-time, holding Mernda to a single behind as the Demons struggled to adjust after a long road trip.

The margin extended to 46 points at half-time and stood at 70 at the final change before the visitors charged home.

“Our effort and intensity early was unbelievable and really set the game up for us,” Fairchild said.

“We were up for that game, we knew they’d played some good sides and we knew we’d have to get off to a good start, especially after they jumped Laurimar last week.

“We were probably spent (in the last quarter), the boys put a lot of effort into the first three quarters.

“It’s hard to explain, we kicked 1.5 and they kicked 7.3, there were no excuses, they played really well and were probably disappointed to be in that position.”

Young ruckman Tom Clarke was named Kinglake’s best in victory, going head-to-head with experienced big man Billy Goodwin and kicking three goals.

Skipper Bailey Robinson booted four goals, while Ethan Robinson, Rohan King and Luke Hannah also impressed.

“Tom was phenomenal, our young ruckman, up against big Billy (Morrison), who’s got huge raps on him.

“We put it on Tommy to go toe-to-toe with him and I thought he was phenomenal, he kicked three (goals) himself and was really good around the ground.

“It was good for him to have such a big test against someone like Billy, with his resume, I was really impressed.”

Kinglake will look to make it four-from-four when it travels to Lalor before another big test in Round 5 when Fitzroy Stars visits Memorial Oval.

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For Mernda, Joel Harris was named best afield, while Jesse Guelfo and Chris Roussos also impressed.

The Demons have the bye in Round 4 to regather before facing Reservoir.

Elsewhere in Division 3, Alex Hywood kicked eight goals as Heidelberg West were 184-point winners over Reservoir and Laurimar defeated Lalor by 207.

Old Eltham Collegians were too good for Fitzroy Stars, winning by 59 points.