A new era has dawned on the Bundoora Football Club according to senior coach Phil Plunkett.
The Bulls lost some key personal during the off season, which has forced Plunkett to inject youth into the senior side this season.
Among the names who departed the Bull Ring over the summer were captain Brayden Shaw, star forward Cameron Cloke, midfielder David Mitchell and defender Trent Barbero.
But under the leadership of Brent Marshall and a number of other premiership stars, Bundoora has remained a threat in 2015, despite some pundits writing them off early in the season.
After winning just one of their opening four games, the Bulls have improved their record to 5-4 at the halfway point of the season and sit outside the top five by percentage only.
Plunkett applauded the development of his young players and hoped his club is primed for another finals assault, having not missed since 2000.
“The off season was a real transition period for us,” Plunkett told NFL.org.au.
“We lost some significant experience, but we have been able to bring in some quality talent.
“It’s a really exciting time for the football club.”
A host of key injuries was the catalyst behind a slow start to the season from the Bulls.
Luke Simpson (knee), Josh Summers (knee) and Jack Philpott (sternum) have all missed chunks of the season, while key ruckman Matty Dennis and reigning best and fairest winner Kent Delbridge have been in and out of the side, further exposing Bundoora’s youthful list.
But despite a lengthy injury list, Bundoora has managed to resurrect its season over the past month and continues to gather momentum as it pursues a finals berth for the 15th consecutive season.
Plunkett’s side has won four of its past five matches, with the only loss an eight-point defeat against reigning premier Greensborough, having trailed by as much as 40 points at half-time.
The Bulls have since won three close games in a row – by an average of six points – which has seen them jump into sixth position.
Plunkett believes the form turn around has come as a result of his side becoming more accustomed to playing alongside each other.
“There are a few players who haven’t played much footy with each other prior to this season, so it was always going to take some time for them to get used to the game plan and used to playing together,” Plunkett said.
“We are starting to piece things together now, so hopefully we can carry this form into the second half of the season.
“I’m sure our best football isn’t too far away.”
Plunkett also praised the efforts of Footscray VFL listed player, Josh Grabowski – who joined Bundoora from Avondale Heights.
The 24-year-old has played all but one game this season for the Bulls, with his most notable performance coming against Montmorency in the Queen’s Birthday weekend clash.
Grabowski booted four majors in a best on ground display as his side prevailed over its fierce rival by one point.
“He (Grabowski) has been fantastic for us this season, especially over the past month,” Plunkett said.
“He has been very lively across half forward and adds much needed experience.”
With the third to seventh-placed teams on the ladder all locked up on five wins each, Bundoora faces a must win-game against Lower Plenty at Yulong Reserve this Saturday.
