Bundoora kept its Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 premiership defence alive with a convincing elimination final win over Greensborough.
After a hard-fought first half, the Bulls broke the game open in the third term to run away 12.9 (81) to 4.9 (33) victors at Preston City Oval.
Acting captain Josh Grabowski starred for the Bulls, booting three goals in the third quarter as his side turned a five-point half time advantage into a 36-point lead by three quarter time.
Josh Iacobaccio was a force for the Bulls, with his speed and clean ball use off half back in tough conditions setting up many forays forward. He also floated forward for two goals.
Joe Palazzolo and Matthew Dennis were dominant in midfield, while Dale Marshall and Scott Dowell gave the Boro forwards no space all afternoon.
Gary Moorcroft booted three majors, while Todd Hughes booted two in the second quarter.
For Greensborough, Tristan Stead was the only multiple goal scorer with two majors, while Charlie Moyneux and Nick Riddle slotted singles.
All three were named among the best for the Boro, with Riddle taking out best on ground honours for his side for a solid display down back before being moved forward in the final term.
The game got off to a scrappy start with both sides battling to adjust to the heightened pressure of finals, as well as the tough conditions.
Bundoora did much of the attacking early in the match, however neither side was able to find the goals, as the Bulls went into the first change ahead four behinds to one.
As both sides found their feet, Stead and Hughes traded goals in the opening minutes of the second term before another dry patch for both sides.
Peter Hood got on the board just shy of the 18-minute mark, before Stead and Hughes traded goals once again late in the term – with the Bulls taking a five-point lead into the main break.
The pressure intensified early in the third term as both sides looked for a player to stand up and break the game open.
Enter Josh Grabowski. After Moorcroft kicked the first goal of the half for the Bulls, the acting skipper went on a 10-minute purple patch where he booted three goals – using his pace to burst through the Greensborough defence.
Goals to Iacobaccio and Damandeep Aujla extended the lead to 36 points heading into the final quarter.
Greensborough coach Robert Hyde tried everything to conjure up goals in the final term, moving Nick Riddle and Billy Bedford up forward to give the Boro a target inside forward 50.
However, it was to no avail as the Bulls midfield got on top early and goals to Iacobaccio and Moorcroft (two) sealed a commanding victory and kept the Bulls’ back-to-back premiership hopes alive.
Bundoora advances to play West Preston-Lakeside the first semi final and will go in full of confidence having won its past five matches.
Final score: Bundoora 12.9 (81) def Greensborough 4.9 (33)
