Heat skipper Matt Chasemore (38 not out) guided his team to 4-86 chasing Northcote's meagre 126.

It could have been much worse for Northcote after being 4-5 early in its innings with rampant quick James Miller finishing with 6-25 from 14 overs, including the first five wickets on the card.

Chasemore said the Heat would not underestimate Northcote after losing two wickets in the final three balls of the day, but admitted an outright victory was at the back of his mind.

"The wicket had a bit of life in it and if it's the same sort of pitch there is no reason that we can't - first we need to get the 40 odd we need - push for an outright," he said.

"When you get the chance to [win outright] you have got to take it because they don't come along all that often."

Miller has been one of the stars in a strong start to the season for the Heat with Chasemore believing his tearaway quick was in near career-best form.

"He was a bit injured going into the [Christmas] break but he has come back really fit," he said. "He's right up there with the best in the competition."

Scott Boland came in as night watchman late on Saturday and was dismissed on the final ball of the day, but with Ben Clements, Nick Jewell and Miller still to come the Heat are confident of scoring first innings points and then attempting to gain full points against Northcote.

In the seconds Frankston Peninsula is 2-67 chasing Northcote's 128 at Bill Lawry Oval.