Trio of Kilmore young guns play key roles in thrilling win over Heidelberg West

Kilmore remains a force to be reckoned with in NFNL Division 3 after a stunning upset win over a previously undefeated Heidelberg West.

Chris Barton in action for Kilmore. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Kilmore claimed a major NFNL Division 3 scalp in stunning fashion on Saturday.

The Blues knocked off the previously undefeated Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park by just two points in a nail-biting finish.

With scores level, a long-range shot from Liam Salter was punched through for a behind to give Kilmore the lead with five minutes remaining.

A horror turnover from the kick-in, deep in Heidelberg West’s defence, then saw Aaron Speak pounce and snap another point as it finished 7.16 (58) to 8.8 (56).

It was also a maiden win for new Kilmore coach Paul Derrick, who said the win was proof of his team’s improvement in the opening five rounds.

Leigh Irons in action for Kilmore. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“It was fantastic, the boys have all worked so hard, we thought we were improving rapid and Saturday that came to fruition,” he said.

“I thought we were the better side for the day but our full forward kicked 1.7, so we were lucky but unlucky to win by two points, we were a few goals better.

“We’ve been in games … I just said (at three-quarter-time) you’re fit, you’re ready, don’t make any excuses for another honourable loss, let’s finish it off and to the boys credit they did.

“It was a good game, when they levelled up you don’t know what’s going to happen, but the boys fought back hard to get the win.”

Kilmore controlled the game for much of the day but couldn’t put Heidelberg West away due to inaccuracy.

Lachie Evans’ third goal of the day mid-way through the final quarter levelled the scores and it looked the Hawks’ game for the taking.

However, the Blues rallied again, scrapping the ball forward and locking it in their half.

After Salter’s shot fell just short, West looked to play on quickly from the kick-in however immediate pressure came from Speak. Tom McMillan and Jaden Smith to force the turnover but Speak couldn’t convert.

Kilmore won the ball in defence and slowed the game down, chipping it around and forcing stoppages before celebrating on the final siren.

Riley McLaughlin was prolific around the ground, gathering possessions at will, while Caden Fitzpatrick impressed in the ruck and brother Ethan was dominant at centre half-back.

“Riley was outstanding all day, playing a back pocket, wing rotation,” Derrick said.

“He was hard at the footy and won some massive contests, especially early on, he really set the standard for us and he’s only a young fella.

“Even at the end, he gets three of the last four possessions or something like that, he worked his arse off.

“Caden was on (Lachie) Evans, who we rate in the ruck and he kicked three goals – which he deserved – but around the ground Caden was fantastic.

“We told him ‘don’t body up, jump all over him’ and that’s what he did and he was pretty dominant in the end.

“Ethan is a Calder-listed young fella and we gave him a big role at centre half-back and he was amazing, took a lot of intercept marks.”

Billy Moore was Heidelberg West’s best in defeat, while Louis Hill, Jordan Allen and Evans were also solid.

Kilmore will host Mernda at Clancy Reserve on Saturday with Derrick to face his former club for the first time.

The Blues hope to regain vice-captain Michael McCulloch and James Atkinson for the clash.

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“It’s been a fantastic start for them, they’ve added a lot of experience to their side and we’re totally inexperienced,” Derrick said.

“It’s a big ground and we’re fit so hopefully we can put on a good show.”

Heidelberg West will travel to Laurimar Reserve to play the second-placed Power.

In other Division 3 results, Mernda defeated Reservoir by 113 points, Kinglake edged Fitzroy Stars by 10 points and Laurimar won a thriller over Old Eltham Collegians by just five points.