AS far as milestones go, this was the perfect day for Mernda playing-coach Brent Marshall, who celebrated his 300th game with a big 57-point victory over Kilmore to cement itselves as a front-runner in the Northern Football Netball League competition.
The man they call ‘Nipper’ helped kickstart his own celebrations by kicking the opening goal of the afternoon, but Mernda were still left with some work to do after Kilmore kicked the next three goals to open up a nine-point lead at quarter time, 11-20.
However, any thought of an upset result brewing was emphatically swept aside by the Demons, who responded with a dominant 15-minute display.
Lincoln Coffey got the run started, before further goals from Kyle Green, Andre Gill-Haimowich, Billy Morrison, Jake Bennett, Josh Mazzarella and Christian Evans meant the game drastically switched, with the Demons turning their nine-point deficit into a 34-point lead.
Despite conceding a late goal, it still appeared the Demons were in control, leading 57-28 at the long change.
A goal in the early stages of the third term from Bradyn Thomsett continued the Demons’ run, and it was a game-high 40 point lead when James Sekulovski added to the mix.
Kilmore kicked a couple of quick goals to remain in the hunt, but the Demons shut down the threat through Jett Philips and two through Christian Evans to lead 92-49 at the final change.
The last term was put together in a party-like atmosphere, with Marshall adding to the theatrics with a second goal of the afternoon in front of his adoring supporters, including many from his old club, Bundoora, who had the bye in division one.
Further goals to Andre and Emile Gill-Haimowich meant the margin ballooned beyond 10 goals, before Josh Caputo and Green put the icing on top with the Dees’ last two goals of the afternoon to end up winning 18.20 (128) to 10.11 (71).
Marshall was brilliant in his 300th game, as was the ever-improving Evans, who kicked three goals for the afternoon. Josh Mazzarella continued his excellent season, while Thomsett, Bennett and Morrison also added to the Demons’ best players.
The Demons remaining in third position, sitting just percentage behind Laurimar, while Ivanhoe are a game further ahead in what looks to be a three-horse race for top spot on the ladder.
Other results in division three saw Reservoir take care of Epping, while Heidelberg West defeated Lalor and Ivanhoe beat Watsonia.
Laurimar will return next week after having the bye, while in division two, Whittlesea and South Morang will also return following the competition-wide break.
Mernda will have the chance to cement the double-chance as it hosts Reservoir next week.
