Mernda lost its first qualifying round in Division 3 Heidelberg Golf Club Seniors, but the side can prove itself in the next finals round.
Old Paradians were sharp at the weekend, displaying plenty of kicks, and while it seemed the side were going to take it all away until the final buzzer, Mernda wanted to ensure that the siren was not going to be joyful music for the Old Paradians.
Mernda was across the footy in the last quarter, developing a strong mindset to end the game, but the Old Paradians got away with a close win, 92-84.
The next match for Mernda will be in finals round two, playing Epping in the semi final this Saturday at Lalor Reserve.