Laurimar thump Epping to open gap at top of the NFNL Division 3 ladder

While Laurimar thumped likely qualifying final opponent Epping on Saturday, the Power dismissed suggestions they’re only rival for the flag is Fitzroy Stars.

Jacob Lawson in action for Laurimar. Picture: George Sal

There is a clear gap between the top two and the rest of the competition in NFNL Division 3.

Laurimar’s 46-point thumping of Epping in a two-v-three clash at Laurimar Reserve on Saturday opened a two-game gap between the pair on the ladder.

It was an impressive response from the Power after a tough eight-point loss to ladder-leader Fitzroy Stars the week before.

It was only Laurimar’s second loss of the season, both coming against the Stars.

Jacob Lawson celebrated his 100th senior game, while Patrick Fitzgerald bagged six goals in the 16.12 (108) to 9.8 (62) victory.

Bailey Macleod in action for Laurimar. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Power had held the Pingers to just two goals to half-time before the visitors piled on seven goals in the final quarter to add some respect to the scoreboard.

“I thought we were impressive, our pressure was really good and our ball movement was exactly what we wanted,” coach Jimmy Atkins said.

“We structured up well and we had an opportunity to win the game by a bit more but we took the foot off the gas and rested a few players.

“That’s what we were looking for.

“We were disappointed with the week before, we had the opportunity to win that game and let it slip.

“It was good to get a response and play a full four quarters.”

While the Stars have been Laurimar’s only stumbling block this season, Atkins isn’t getting distracted.

The Power have a testing finish against 2023 grand final rival Mernda, Old Eltham Collegians and potential finals rival Ivanhoe.

If the ladder remains the same, the 2023 premier will face Epping again in a qualifying final.

They will worry about the Stars if and when the time comes.

“There’s still some tough games but it does look like we’ve cement the second chance, that was the aim at the start of the year,” Atkins said.

“We’d never focus on the one team, that’s disrespectful to all the others.

“I still believe any team can beat anyone on their day and, yeah, Fitzroy haven’t lost a game, which is an incredible effort, but there’s been opportunities.

“We’ve got Mernda, College and Ivanhoe to come – Mernda fighting for finals and Ivanhoe fighting for a second chance – they’re game we’ve got to concentrate on.”

Bailey Macleod was named best-on-ground in the win, continuing his strong season.

Fitzgerald, Noah Mooney, Joel Lawson, Cameron Maloney and Campbell Walker also impressed.

For Epping, James Tadd, Lucas Aquilina, Jordan Wilkins, Sebastijan D’Arro were among the best.

The Pingers are now only a game ahead of Ivanhoe in third place and have a difficult road home with a trip to Kilmore, Ivanhoe at home and Fitzroy Stars before a Round 18 bye.

The weekend marked the fourth time in Laurimar history a player had reached 100 games.

The club has only played 124 since entering the Northern league in 2017 with Jacson Cecil, Luke Wilson and Josh Leather previously hitting triple figures.

Jacob Lawson was one of the first Power players, featuring in the inaugural season, and becoming a key player as the club won its first premiership and stepped up to Division 2 last year.

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“We’ve had Josh Leather and Luke Wilson and Jacson Cecil last year,” Atkins said.

“Jacob and Josh have been at the club since early junior years.

“It’s an incredible effort to get to 100 games for our club, for other clubs it might not mean much, but for us it’s special.

“Hopefully he can play another 100 or 150 games.”