Healesville travelled to Wandin on Saturday 17 May for the first time in a long time, reviving what had been a significant rivalry through the 2010s.
A near full strength Wandin was always going to be a challenge, but it was a determined Healesville team that defended the small Wandin ground well.
As the first quarter kicked off, Wandin snatched some quick points with three goals and behinds, but it wasn’t without kickback from the Healesville outfit as they clinched a goal and a behind themselves.
Healesville’s defence was enough to force Wandin into some tricky situations, and though Wandin were in the lead, the first quarter wasn’t as smooth as Wandin had hoped.
A flurry of behinds kicked off the second quarter for Wandin, courtesy of Hodgett and Garner, but it was Hinds’ goal which saw Wandin shift gears.
Mullett entered the scoreline again with another great effort, and though Healesville bit back with a goal of their own courtesy of Mende, it was clear the game had slipped out of their hands.
The third quarter was a repeat of the second with more goals from Mullett and one from Merlino.
Healesville’s Bradley and Munn also secured a dozen points for the visiting side.
The last quarter was really the standout for this match.
Wandin’s forward line made easy work of Healesville’s defence.
Garner looked unstoppable as he kicked a massive six goals in the final quarter back-to-back, dramatically increasing Wandin’s lead.
Mullett, Beckwith and Jaworski also had their equal share of a goal each, ending the game with the scoreline at a whopping 127 to 34.
Healesville looked defensively strong in the first quarter, but when a forward line contains in form forwards Mullet and Garner, containing Wandin for four quarters will always be a challenge.
A nine goal final quarter reminded everyone at the ground of that. Garner was unstoppable and finished with eight goals and Mullet the icing on the cake with six.
Wandin’s best players were: Joel Garner, Patty Bruzzese, Chayce Black, Aaron Mullett, Patrick Hodgett, Todd Garner.
Healesville’s best players were: Campbell Frazzetto, Charlie Warren, Liam Warner, Nick Mende, Brandon Murphy, Anthony Biddiscombe.
Next round is Pride Round and Wandin face Officer at Officer’s home ground.
Meanwhile Healesville visit the Dandenong Ranges to face Olinda.
