Bundoora marked the return to football in emphatic fashion, romping to a 58-point win over Greensborough at Yulong Reserve.
In what was predicted to be a tight game between the sides placed fifth and first on the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder, Bundoora’s straight kicking was a major point of difference, with the Bulls winning 16.8 (104) to 5.16 (46).
Leading by 21 points at three-quarter time, Bundoora booted the first six goals of the final term to romp to a big upset against a Boro side which had lost just three games in their past 27.
Sam Lloyd and John Jorgensen were dominant up forward and combined for nine goals. Lloyd finished with five, including three in the fourth quarter, while Jorgensen booted four.
Hamish Shepheard returned to the Bulls line-up and was tremendous, dominating in the ruck and all over the ground.
Nathan Thomas continued his solid season through midfield and up forward, as did Bailey Thompson. Both booted a goal to cap their strong day.
The Bulls defence was also terrific, even without young star Jackson Davies. The kept the competition’s highest scoring team to only 46 points.
While it wasn’t a great day for Greensborough, who were without 2019 Frank Rosbrook medallist Tom Bell, their defence stood tall throughout the first three quarters, denying many Bundoora thrusts forward, as well as kickstarting many attacks.
Nick Riddle had a great battle with Sam Lloyd and was the Boro’s best, while Jake McNamara was a presence up forward and finished with two goals on a day when few other Boro players threatened in attack.
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon to kick off the second half of the 2021 NFNL season, it was Bundoora who got off to a quick start, kicking three of the first four goals – including two to Lloyd.
Greensborough pulled back momentum in the second half of the quarter, however the Boro wasted their chances on goal, kicking 2.7 to trail by five points at quarter time.
The visitors continued their momentum throughout the early part of the second term, managing to hit the lead courtesy of a goal to McNamara.
But Bundoora managed to wrestle back the sway of the game, booting the final three goals of the opening half to take a 15-point lead into the main break.
It was a tight and tough third quarter, with both teams’ defences standing tall and repelling many attacks.
It meant Bundoora held its handy lead throughout the term, and that advantage was stretched to 21 points at three quarter time when Bailey Thompson put through a late goal.
While only three majors were kicked during the third quarter, the final term saw an onslaught of goals, mostly from Bundoora.
The Bulls kicked seven goals to one in the last, with the 58-point triumph propelling them into fourth place on the ladder.
Speaking post-match, Bundoora coach Michael Ryan said it was the club’s most complete performance of 2021.
He also added that Davies pulled up sore following training on Thursday but will be fit for next week’s trip to Whittlesea.
Final score: Bundoora 16.8 (104) def Greensborough 5.16 (46)
BUNDOORA
Goal Kickers: S. Lloyd 5, J. Jorgensen 4, B. Thompson 2, J. King 2, L. Collins, N. Thomas, T. Young
Best Players: H. Shepheard, S. Lloyd, B. Thompson, B. Young, T. Young, J. Jorgensen
GREENSBOROUGH
Goal Kickers: J. McNamara 2, J. Johnston, B. Pannam, T. Phelan
Best Players: J. McNamara, N. Riddle, J. Johnston, C. Clark, J. Callaway, D. Lawler
