Macedon bounces back in style and ruins Woodend-Hesket’s reunion

Macedon bounced back from its biggest loss in close to a decade, despite losing coach Al Meldrum on the morning of the match, to rain on Woodend-Hesket’s reunion.

Matthew Dick in action for Macedon. Picture: Aaron Cook

After its biggest loss in close to a decade, Macedon responded with a clinical win over arch-rival Woodend-Hesket on Saturday.

The Cats bounced back with a strong 24-point win at Gordon Gilbert despite coach Al Meldrum missing the match due to illness.

Meldrum was struck down on the morning of the match but praised his players and support staff for stepping up for one of the biggest matches of the RDFL season.

The 12.11 (83) to 8.11 (59) win also rained on Woodend-Hesket’s 20-year premiership reunion, with the Hawks wearing Hesket heritage jumpers t mark the occasion.

Meldrum said his team learnt plenty from the 91-point hammering from Diggers Rest and a response was a major focus during the week.

Macedon’s Jason Cooke keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It was a big day for them with the reunion … and it was a big day for us too, it was all about the response for us,” he said.

“We were thoroughly disappointed by our previous week, it had been a long time since we copped a beating like that but – and don’t get me wrong, Diggers are a very good football team – but we didn’t play well.

“Our leaders, who I put the acid on, stepped up – Dave Morrice, (Jason) Cooke, Matt Knox – were really impressive.

“It was probably the longest day of my life, watching the live scores and not knowing how accurate they are, and I didn’t want to bother anyone.”

Skipper Cooke booted four goals to bounce back from a goalless week, while Morrice was named best-on-ground along with Jordan Dyer and Zach Baggs.

Macedon jumped out to an early lead, taking a 14-point lead into quarter-time and held a 13-point advantage at the main break.

An impressive five-goal third quarter broke the game open and helped set up a 25-point margin at the final change and a comfortable win.

Tayte Pears booted four goals for the Hawks, with Dean Bramley named best in defeat with Tom O’Loughlin, Harley Giddings and Tobi Duff-Tytler.

Macedon coach Al Meldrum missed the match due to illness. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Meldrum said a more relaxed week in training had helped the club move on from the loss to Diggers and an injection of youth.

Alec McGregor made a strong senior debut, booting two goals, while Jake Stoeckel was also handed his first Cats cap.

“(Woodend-Hesket) is a big rivalry and we had a good week on the track, a bit more relaxed, and when you inject a couple of young players you can get a sugar hit,” Meldrum said.

“I just tried to remind the boys we’re still a good footy side.

“Every now and then a game like that will happen, as much as you don’t want them to, and we’ve all been involved in them.”

The season-shaping games continue for Macedon as it hosts Romsey at Tony Clarke Reserve in the battle for fourth and fifth.

The Cats hope to have James Wright, Jack Mills, Karl Staudt and Alastair Collins return for Saturday’s match, which could decide who earns a home elimination final.

Woodend-Hesket is still just six points behind in sixth as well.

“Saturday was an eight-point game and this week is no different,” Meldrum said.

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“Romsey has been performing well and with ourselves and Woodend is fighting for that fourth and fifth spots and obviously three doesn’t go into two.

“They beat us over there earlier in the year when we had the game where we wanted it and I think that’s still fresh in the minds of the guys.

“We need to build some momentum, which is critical this time of year, if you can be healthy and have momentum (come finals).”

Woodend-Hesket faces the daunting task of Diggers Rest at Bloomdale Oval as it looks to keep its finals hopes alive.