The Bulls led at every change to record the 9.10 (64) to 3.5 (23) win over the home side and will head into Round 18 knowing their position in third place cannot be changed whether they win or lose.
Gary Moorcroft was ever present up forward with three goals in the muddy conditions, while Luke Hyatt enjoyed his day at centre half back with a resounding victory over Eltham’s captain Paul Currie – keeping him to one goal, and booting one himself.
Luke Shelton, Lee Santoro and Kent Delbridge also impressed for the victors.
For the Panthers, Steven Foster continued his good run of form in the ruck, while Bradyn Taglieri and Thomas Johnston worked tirelessly throughout the contest.
With Central Park looking its worst for a long time due to Friday’s rain, Bundoora kicked out to an early lead as it also had the advantage of a strong southerly wind.
Moorcroft was able to get first blood for the visitors when he was able to cleanly mop up the crumbs after Tom Richardson had elected to punch a ball away into a dangerous area. Moorcroft swiveled onto his left boot and kicked the opener from 25m out.
Minutes later, big man Cameron Cloke was awarded a free kick after he was shepherded out of a marking contest. His set shot from 35m directly in front went over the goal umpires hat and the Bulls had skipped away early.
Moorcroft was dangerous in the air and on the ground, and was suited well to the slippery conditions. He booted two successive behinds before a kick over the top ended up in the goal square. Using his upper body strength, he was able to push off his opponent and soccer through the third goal of the opening term, and his second, to help set up a 19-point lead at the first change.
With the advantage of the wind behind their backs, the Panthers came out firing early in the second. Brendan O’Sullivan was in the right spot at the right time to accept Richardson’s pass inside 50m. His set shot from 30m out casually made it past the goal line, with no Bundoora player anticipating it may fall short.
Eltham dominated possession for the next 15 minutes of play, but couldn’t conjure any clear chances at goal, before Bundoora then sucker punched them twice just before the half-time break.
Firstly, Santoro entered the forward 50m and saw his long kick marked by Matthew Dennis, uncontested 30m out from goal. Then minutes later Moorcroft was caught high and received a free kick. Both players kicked truly to the trestle bridge end and the margin was four goals at half time.
With the wind still playing a factor in proceedings, Eltham needed to be around three goals behind at the final change to be able to realistically challenge in the final quarter.
However, Phil Maylin’s charges dominated the third quarter from start to finish with goals to James Lord, Hyatt and Robert Graham extended their lead to 44 points at three-quarter time.
With the game out of reach in the final term, it was a matter of going through the motions for both teams. The Panthers won the quarter by two goals to one, with all goals coming via free kicks. The only genuine highlight of the final term being Currie’s goal from the northwest pocket boundary line.
Next week sees Bundoora head to Para Road to face ladder-leader Montmorency. If Bundoora wins and Heidelberg defeats Greensborough, the Bulls will face Montmorency for a second week in a row in the qualifying final.
Eltham now needs to defeat West Preston-Lakeside at J.E.Moore Park, and also pick up 5.62% on the Roosters to feature in September.
This equates approximately to just over a seven-goal victory needed. Last time they met, West Preston-Lakeside won by 28 points so it will indeed be an uphill challenge for the Panthers.
Final score: Eltham 3.5 (23) def by Bundoora 9.10 (64)
