Bundoora climbed to second place on the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder with an emphatic 44-point win over Heidelberg at Warringal Park.
The battle between the sides placed second and third on the ladder was tight in the first half, before the Bulls ran away with the game in the second half to win 10.10 (70) to 4.2 (26).
The result gave Bundoora its third-consecutive win since the return from the break, while ending Heidelberg’s three-game winning streak.
Having conceded just 101 points in their past two games, the Bulls backline stood up once again.
Led by its young stars Jackson Davies and Tylar Young, the side conceded just six scoring shots in the game.
Bailey Thompson and Kain Proctor were key contributors in the midfield throughout the day, amassing a lot of the ball and helping creating scoring opportunities with their run and carry.
Kyle Green led the scoring and finished with a game-high three goals.
The game started off tightly contested, with both sides’ defensive pressure being put on show.
With bragging rights and second spot on the ladder up for grabs, a hard-fought opening quarter saw the sides kick only one goal apiece, with Bundoora taking a one-point lead into the first break.
Though behind on the scoreboard, Heidelberg coach Danny Nolan was pleased with the endeavor his side showed and instructed his players to keep the same intensity.
In another tightly contested quarter, the Bulls began to break away with the opening two goals of the second quarter through John Jorgensen and Green.
The home side worked hard to stay in touching distance, with Matthew Cecchin immense off half back, while Jesse Kane and Jordan Sutterby started to have an influence further afield.
Joshua Daniel kicked a goal to trim Heidelberg’s deficit to eight points, with the Bulls managing two minor scores for the remainder of the quarter to lead 3.4 (22) to 2.0 (12) at the main break.
The third quarter belonged to Bundoora, who kicked four goals to the Tigers’ single behind to take a 36-point lead into the final change.
Jorgensen took a mark and kicked truly for the opener, before Nathan Thomas put through a brilliant running goal to swing the momentum fully in the Bulls’ favour.
Green would register a second major soccering off the ground, which was followed by Brendan Carlyon’s goal to put the Bulls in a commanding position going into the final change.
At three quarter time Bundoora coach Michael Ryan urged his team to not let up in the final quarter and reminded his players what was up for grabs.
Heidelberg put in a more spirited showing in the last term, doubling its score from the previous three quarters.
Debutant Jess Gedi and Sam Wright goaled for the Tigers, which provided highlights for the home crowd on an otherwise disappointing day.
Sam Lloyd, whose forward pressure was good in the first three quarters, was able to hit the scoreboard in the last term, putting through two goals for the Bulls.
Green capped off a solid performance with a third goal during the final term, as his side took a big step forward in its bid to book a finals place.
Final score: Heidelberg 4.2 (26) def by Bundoora 10.10 (70)
HEIDELBERG
Goal Kickers: J. Daniel, S. Wright, J. Gedi, T. Schnerring
Best Players: J. Sutterby, J. Kane, L. Wilson, M. Cecchin, K. Kearns, C. McDonald
BUNDOORA
Goal Kickers: K. Green 3, S. Lloyd 2, J. Jorgensen 2, L. Collins, N. Thomas, B. Carlyon
Best Players: K. Proctor, T. Young, L. Collins, J. Davies, B. Thompson, K. Green
