Noble Park’s decisive demolition

By Paul Pickering
UNSATISFIED by a pedestrian first-round win over Croydon, Noble Park returned to something like its Bullish best in a 96-point demolition of Norwood on Friday night.
After a stirring Anzac Day commemoration ceremony, the Bulls absorbed Norwood’s early bravado before surging to a three-goal lead at quarter-time.
And while the visitors managed to sustain the pressure in a tight second quarter, the Bulls broke free of the shackles in a dominant second-half display.
Much to the delight of a bumper crowd at the Bullring, Noble Park piled on 13.13 to Norwood’s three straight goals after halftime.
It was the message first-year coach Kris Barlow was so determined to send.
“We weren’t really happy with the way we presented ourselves against Croydon, and we wanted to make a statement,” Barlow explained.
“I don’t think we set the world on fire by any stretch of the imagination.
“But I thought we moved the ball a lot better, and the decision making – which was a focus during the week – was good.”
The main beneficiary of that improved movement was Dave Velardo, who provided a familiar focal point up forward.
The gifted left-footer negotiated the slippery conditions expertly to bag five goals for the night, while Barlow, Robbie Ferraro, Peter O’Brien and Heath Black kicked two apiece.
But it was the class and accountability of Stewart Kemperman that drew the highest praise from his coach.
Kemperman was able to negate the influence of Norwood gun Brent English without sacrificing his own game.
Meanwhile, resurgent hard-nut Trent Robertson played an equally important role in blanketing Norwood’s Mark Attard.
So while Barlow was less than impressed by his charges in round one, he believes the Bulls are now ready to test themselves against the divisional heavyweights.
Over the next month, Noble Park will meet each of its fellow finalists from last year, beginning with East Ringwood on Sunday.
And while supporters could be excused for peeking ahead to much-anticipated clashes with Balwyn and Vermont, Barlow is wary of underestimating the Roos.
“There’s no bigger challenge than the next three weeks for us, and each of those games presents a unique challenge,” he said.
“This week, our challenge is to play a team that has lost its first two games and is going to come out breathing fire.”
Sunday’s game will begin at 2.10pm at East Ringwood Reserve.