NFL: Lalor finds reason to smile after tough off-season thanks to Round 1 win over Reservoir

LALOR took the first steps toward putting a tumultuous off-season behind it with a 27-point victory over Reservoir on Saturday.

Lalor’s Jayden Jones takes a shot at goal on Saturday. Picture: James Ross.

LALOR took the first steps toward putting a tumultuous off-season behind it with a 27-point victory over Reservoir on Saturday.

In a battle of two of the Northern Football League’s rebuilding clubs, the Bloods came out on top despite wasting several chances in an 11.13 (79) to 7.10 (52) win at Crispe Park.

Lalor should have been further than nine points clear at halftime, booting 4.6 in the second term after the sides were all square at quarter-time.

The visitors then booted 1.5 in the third quarter, but held firm defensively to take a 16-point lead to three-quarter-time.

The advantage was enough for the Bloods to hold on in their first match under new coach Dean Grainger to start their new era with a win.

Nathan Stavridis and Robert Todd kicked three goals apiece in the Round 1 win, while recruit Isaac Edgar was best afield.

Daniel Moore, Jaidyn Curzi and Jake Langborne were also important for Lalor.

Key forward David McGregor bagged four goals for the Mustangs, while Ashley Cluney performed strongly in his first game in blue and white.

Reservoir’s Josh Alexander is pursued by two Lalor opponents. Picture: James Ross.

The Bloods host St Mary’s in Round 2, while Reservoir travels to Kilmore.

The Blues started their campaign positively on Saturday, overcoming their issues in front of goal to bank a 7.19 (61) to 8.10 (58) win over South Morang.

Kilmore kicked 2.7 in the last quarter as it struggled to shake the persistent Lions.

Meanwhile, Mernda made the loudest statement of the opening round with an 83-point trouncing of Panton Hill.

Relegated from Division 2, the Redbacks were considered a leading finals threat during pre-season.

The Demons thrust their name forward as a genuine contender with a 22.10 (142) to 8.11 (59) victory as Daniel Bryant (seven) and Riley Black (five) combined for 12 goals.

St Mary’s dominated Heidelberg West in the remaining game, securing a 16.15 (111) to 5.7 (37) win.

Division 1 and Division 2 start this week, while Laurimar opens its season after a bye against Panton Hill.