GREENSBOROUGH moved to the top of the Division 1 ladder with a scintillating 42-point win over reigning premier Bundoora at War Memorial Park.
A five- goal to one start set the tone for the Boro in the impressive Round 8 victory, leading at each break before running away victors 18.18 (126) to 13.6 (84).
After a fast start from the Boro, the Bulls kicked five of the opening six goals of the second quarter, with Kent Delbridge kicking back to back goals, giving him three majors early in the game.
But a burst of five unanswered goals from Greensborough, kick-started by Jason Rogers slotting two consecutive goals, gave the Boro back the ascendency at half time.
The third quarter started similarly to the second with the Bulls kicking four of the first five goals of the quarter, again started by Delbridge who kicked another two goals for the quarter.
But just like in the second quarter, Greensborough had the answers and kicked the last four goals unanswered in the quarter to extend the lead back out to 30 points at three quarter time.
Whenever Bundoora challenged, the Boro came back stronger which is a huge credit to how Robert Hyde has instilled confidence in his players to trust the game plan and themselves when things aren’t going their way.
With 36 scoring shots to 19 in the Boro’s favour, the margin could have blown out if it wasn’t for a few easy misses in the final quarter which saw them kick 3.7.
Greensborough swingman Jack Johnston kicked three goals, two of those coming in the first quarter and his final goal the nail in the coffin half way through the finals quarter. Johnston started the game in hot form and continued to dominate in the aerial contests and ball use inside 50.
Johnston has spent most of the season playing for the Northern Blues VFL Development side, this being his first game for the Boro this season and they will be hoping it won’t be his last.
Michael Hooper again proved to be one of the top ruckman in the league supplying his midfielders with first use of the ball from stoppages, while also proving to be handy around the ground as a tall marking target.
Jason Rogers, Tristan Stead, Matthew Hyde and Nick Riddle all were among the best for the Boro in a side that had no weak links on the day.
Bundoora was led by Kent Delbridge who slotted six goals in an outstanding performance which would have seen him secure the three votes on the day.
Brent Marshall and Brayden Shaw provided support to Delbridge’s efforts but not enough of their team mates were at the same level required.
Skill errors cost the Bulls as the Boro capitalised on the turnovers. They worked just as hard forward as they did back, providing plenty of numbers around the ball in defence to stop the dangerous Cameron Cloke and Gary Moorcroft from having a big influence on the game.
The competitiveness and even balance in this season’s Division 1 competition again was on show in this game.
Last season the Bulls beat the Boro by 46 points and 93 points – a combined total of 139 points. Yet the reigning premiers were unable to add another victory to last season’s wins.
Greensborough finished last season with six victories, a total they have already passed after eight rounds. On the other hand, Bundoora only lost five games last season and have already lost three games nearing the halfway mark of the year.
With a break over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, Greensborough will look to freshen up before tackling Heidelberg in a mouth-watering top of the table clash at War Memorial Park.
Meanwhile, Bundoora heads back to Yulong Reserve to face an in-form Eltham who will be looking for its third win in a row in Round 9.
Final score: Greensborough 18.18 (126) def Bundoora 13.6 (84)
