KILMORE senior football coach Nathan Phillips believes his side has found its best form after an impressive 70-point win against previously undefeated Heidelberg West in Northern Football Netball League division three.
The Blues took control of the game with four goals to one in the second quarter after leading by seven at the first break, and ran away in the second half to record a 16.12 (108) to 5.8 (38) victory.
Kilmore was able to shut down the corridor, forcing the Hawks to play out wide and restricting their scoring opportunities.
Leigh Irons was best afield for the home side, repeatedly winning the hard ball in the middle with support from the likes of Chris Ryall.
Grant Paxton was unflappable in defence and young ruckman Caden Fitzpatrick impressed in a battle against Heidelberg West’s three-time division three best and fairest Jarryd Coulson.
Phillips said the unselfishness of the Kilmore forward line was outstanding, with 11 individual goal kickers.
“Our two key forwards had a lot of shots on goal without being able to get one, and we tried to let them understand that it’s not all about goal kicking. If they can get some score assists as well, the goals will come naturally for them,” he said.
“They were really good in being selfless and dishing the ball off inside 50 to better options.
“Jaxson Kinnear was one who ended up kicking three in the second half after probably having five or six score involvements in the first half.”
With another home game against lowly Reservoir next on the schedule this Saturday, Phillips said his team needed to bring the same intensity and effort.
“[In Reservoir’s] first few weeks they struggled to hit the scoreboard and kick goals, so the fact they kicked 11 on the weekend is a sign they’re improving,” he said.
“We definitely won’t be taking them lightly. We’ve got to come with the right mindset and ready to play. If you underestimate your opposition that’s when they can get the jump on you and possibly run away with it.”
Laurimar is second on the ladder with a perfect 4-0 record after a hard-fought game against Old Eltham Collegians.
The Turtles led by four points at half time, but a strong second half from the Power saw them fight their way to a 16.14 (110) to 14.7 (91) win.
Josh Williamson’s nine-goal haul earned him best afield honours, with Ethan Gorski, Mitch Lucas and Bradley Deed also impressing for the Power.
Mernda turned in a valiant effort, but could not match ladder-leader South Morang in a 13.16 (94) to 10.6 (66) loss despite the best efforts of Anthony Bradford, Josh Mazzarella and Edward Mills.
In division one Whittlesea continued to fight hard for no reward, going down 10.14 (74) to 8.9 (57) against West Preston-Lakeside.
The young Eagles were only two goals adrift of the Roosters at three-quarter time, but an errant 2.5 in the final term meant they could not overcome the deficit.
Blake Watson was a standout for the Eagles and booted two goals, with Nathan Stefanile adding three and young defender Zach Molloy impressing.
Whittlesea will remain in search of its first division one win when it hosts North Heidelberg on Saturday.