Round 1 match reports
Seniors:
A dominant four quarter display from Northcote Park saw them romp to a 58 point victory over fierce rivals West Preston-Lakeside.
A tough and physical opening quarter meant that Northcote Park took a small lead into the first break, as both sides were finding their feet. A stronger second term saw the Cougars step up the tackling pressure and intensity, as a goal saving tackle from Jacob Mitchell in the goal square showed just how desperate Northcote Park were. They lead by 25 at half time, a lead that only grew as the game went on.
Six goals to zero during the third quarter from Northcote Park saw them put the result beyond doubt, as Tarkyn Lockyer and Ashleigh Close starred during not only the quarter but also the entire game, as they both booted four goals each.
The Cougars took the foot off the pedal a touch in the final quarter, but still came away with a strong round 1 victory.
Reserves:
A solid opening round performance from an undermanned Northcote Park side saw them overcome West Preston-Lakeside by 16 points.
Four under 19’s players had to play back to back games for the Cougars, with Brandon Brown, Nik McNiece, and twins Janus and Liam Waldron all stepping up to play important roles in the win.
A slow first quarter from both sides lead to West Preston-Lakeside going into quarter time with a four point buffer. An amazing Antonio Brizzi soccer goal from the boundary line sparked the Cougars in the second term, as they fought back to take an eight point lead into the half.
The third quarter saw the Northcote Park pressure step up again, as the Roosters were struggling to get quality possessions. A three goal to one quarter saw the Cougars break away from their local rivals, and take an unassailable 21 point lead into the final change. Northcote Park held on throughout the final term, to start their season off with a win.
Under 19’s:
After a tense and exciting final quarter, Northcote Park U19’s came away with a well earned win against West Preston-Lakeside, by 22 points. In a low scoring first half, Jackson Bailey proved the difference as his three goal half had the Cougars leading by 19 at the main break.
A below par third quarter from Northcote Park allowed the Roosters to get back into the match, as the lead was cut down to 7 heading into the final change.
West Preston took the lead early in the final quarter, but soon after it was all one way traffic. The Northcote Park forward pressure lead to many West Preston-Lakeside turnovers, but the Cougars couldn’t capitalise on the Roosters mistakes. Finally, it was Brandon Brown who gave Northcote Park the lead back with just under 10 minutes to play, and from there, goals to Janus Waldron and Paul Steinicke sealed the win for the Cougars.