Round 7 match reports by Stephen Marson
Under 19’s:
Northcote Park fell short of Macleod in a tight encounter by 12 points. The Cougars were up against it early but managed to take their chances, and took a seven-point lead into quarter time.
With the ground all chopped up and players constantly losing their feet, it made for a sloppy first half. Only three goals were kicked during the second term, as the Kangaroos closed the gap to just one at the main change.
A tough and physical third quarter saw Macleod take a lead into the final term with a goal on the siren, but it was still anyone’s game.
The Kangaroos finished off stronger when it mattered in the final quarter, as the effort and determination from Northcote Park just wasn’t enough.
Reserves:
Northcote Park led from start to finish in a confortable 22-point win over Macleod.
A seven goal to two first half had the Cougars looking the goods heading into half time, as their relentless pressure in the forward half was too much for the Kangaroos.
Robert Chadwick and Cameron Taylor led the way with five and three goals respectively, as Chadwick’s presence and skilful play inside 50 couldn’t be stopped.
The Cougars dropped off a touch in the final term to let Macleod close the scoreboard gap, but they were never troubled on their way to victory.
Special mention to Liam Waldron, Tyson Old and Nik McNiece who all filled in for the reserves, and well done to Nik for getting a goal to his name also!
Seniors:
A goal in the dying seconds to Macleod saw Northcote Park fall agonisingly short of a victory at De Winton Park.
The Kangaroos jumped out to a 22-point lead at quarter time, but back-to-back goals from Luke Svarc and an Ash Close goal after the siren had Northcote Park within a point at half time.
A hard fought third term from both sides left the result still in doubt heading into the final quarter, as both teams deserved the four points.
Mitch Papas goaled midway through the final term to give the Cougars a late lead, but a goal from a free kick to Macleod with less then a minute to go proved to be the winner.
Mitch Papas celebrates his 100th game with the club next weekend, as Northcote Park host Bundoora at Bill Lawry Oval.