SFNL: Heatherton secures statement win over fellow finals contender South Mornington
Heatherton’s compelling win over South Mornington has prompted coach Matt Shorey to declare it the best win his side has produced during his tenure.
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Heatherton coach Matt Shorey can’t recall a better win.
The Tunners stunned second-placed South Mornington on Saturday, 14.19 (103) to 6.4 (40), in a Southern league Division 3 statement.
The result consolidates Heatherton’s spot in fourth while reducing the gap between it and third-placed Carrum Patterson Lakes to half a game.
The Tunners kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter to set up what Shorey described “a really good get”.
“It’s the best, it’s the best win (I have had),” Shorey said.
“To back up the twos, we had the three wins for the day which is nice.
“It wasn’t surprising but it was a really good get, we sort of needed that one to break away from the others.
“To have it against a top-four side is probably the best win I have had at the club, for sure.”
Frankston Dolphins, South Mornington and Carrum Patterson Lakes have all occupied top spot on the ladder this season.
And Heatherton is happy to be considered filling in the gaps behind those three.
“I think the pressure is on them, to be honest,” Shorey said of the top three.
“All I have been doing – which I haven’t done in a while – is focusing on us.
“We’ll do our homework but last year we would be like ‘oh if they win and we win…’ I am not worrying about that this year.
“I just know if we do it all right, we know we’ll be a good shot for finals at the end of the year but I don’t want to worry about other results.
“I think it’s making a difference because there’s less pressure on the guys and it showed on the weekend in that first quarter with the way we come out.”
Justin Kiss (four goals), Julian Lam, Sam Gibbins (six goals), Billy Jackson, Sam Drake and Ben Clark-Henry were impressive in the win.
Jacob Rowler, Ryan Gillis, Keith Obrien, Jayden Davis, Tom Hoggett and Jack Knox were South Mornington’s best.
The Tunners take on Carrum Patterson Lakes this weekend in another chance to prove themselves as a contender.
He called side’s back-to-back top three matchups “mini finals” and was eager to see how they would perform in important games.
“We’ll not going to shy away from the fact it’s third spot (on the line),” he said.
“They’re like mini finals at the moment and the guys are stepping up to the plate, which is rewarding because I think in the past we’ve probably failed on the big stage.
“Anyone can look at the ladder and know this is a big game, it’ll probably be who is going to bring the heat early, hopefully we can get a good start again.
“I am looking forward to it, I love these games.”
The Southern league announced Hampton Park would be the venue to host this seasons Division 3 finals series on Monday night.
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