The Tigers kicked the opening eight goals of the match before easing to a 17.11 (113) to 8.13 (61) victory – earning some atonement for last season’s two September losses to the Bulls.
Michael Gay was a standout in the ruck – smashing Bundoora in both the centre bounces and boundary throw ins. He also made his presence felt around the ground by pushing back to take numerous clearing marks across half back.
Chris Cullinan also excelled through the midfield and booted two goals for his efforts, while Josh Houlihan provided plenty of drive from half back in his quarterback-like role.
Bundoora’s backline stood up well despite the onslaught it was subjected to all day, with Trent Barbero, Matthew Hyde and Ben Shelton all in their side’s best despite the lob-sided scoreline.
Gary Moorcroft and Cameron Cloke combined for seven goals but weren’t able to inflict their usual dominance on the contest. Concerning, the Bulls could manufacture just one more goal from outside the duo – the second consecutive time the reigning premiers have managed just three goal kickers against Heidelberg.
It was an indifferent start for the Tigers with Caleb Tiller taking a big contested mark 15m out from goal from the opening centre clearance. Unfortunately the tall forward hurt his ankle in the marking contest and failed to reappear after half-time after struggling through the first two quarters.
The Tigers will have a handy replacement for the former Carlton-listed player should he not be fit for next week’s clash against the Magpies, with Dale Nolan almost certain to return from an eight-week injury layoff.
Despite Tiller’s limited impact, the Tigers had goal-kicking options all over the field as they raced to a 24-point lead at the first change.
Danny Nolan booted the first goal of the contest at the four-minute mark when he played on to 45m and slotted a beautiful goal from the forward pocket, before Cullinan, Justin Powick and Michael Finn all followed with goals to the city end.
The Bulls struggled to clear the ball from their defensive half and lacked any drive from their backline. They were forced to kick short down the boundary line, while any long kicks were cut off by either of Gay or Finn.
After kicking just four behinds in the opening term, the pain continued for Bundoora in the second quarter as Heidelberg booted another four goals to stretch its margin to 46 points.
Sean Logie booted the first of those following a lovely spot up by Jess Sinclair, before Powick added his second after receiving a generous handball from Rhys Healey (two goals).
Cullinan and prominent half forward Allan Young both put in contenders for goal of the day, with Cullinan dodging Hyde on the mark before converting from 40m, while Young feigned twice inside his forward 50m before bouncing through another.
Moorcroft finally booted Bundoora’s first goal deep into the second quarter after Salvatore Mamone intercepted a Heidelberg kick-in and handed his teammate the easiest of goals, before a Cloke goal on the half-time siren reduced the margin to 40 points.
The Bulls had the better of the opening stages of the third quarter and Moorcroft provided a spark with the first goal of the term. However, they were unable to find another major for the next 10 minutes before Fabian Dorbolo and Sinclair converted two goals in five minutes to stretch Heidelberg’s lead back beyond seven goals.
Bundoora continued to contest and cut the margin to 31 points late in the third quarter courtesy of goals to David Mitchell and Moorcroft, however any hope of an unlikely comeback was quickly snuffed out by majors to Young and Houlihan prior to the three-quarter time siren.
The sides traded goals in the final term with Cloke booting two from strong marks in the forward 50m, while the Tigers put in two that will be on the end of season highlights reel.
The first was a sensational team goal started by a courageous mark by Gay across half back. He then centred the ball beautifully to Logie in the middle of the ground who in turn passed perfectly to Geremie Ganino for a coast-to-coast goal.
Later in the term George Nabbout sharked a centre clearance and set off on a galloping run. He took four bounces before streaming in to 30m for a goal reminiscent of Michael McGuane against Carlton back in 1992.
It capped off a brilliant day for the Tigers as they put in their claim for a ninth consecutive Grand Final berth. They can confirm their place in the premiership decider with a win over the Magpies this Saturday in what is shaping as one of the games of the season.
Bundoora lives to fight another day but will have to respond quickly from its late-season form slump when it takes on either of Northcote Park or West Preston-Lakeside in Sunday’s first semi final.
Final score: Heidelberg 17.11 (113) def Bundoora 8.13 (61)
