Macleod has once again shown why it is the team to beat in Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 with a 33-point victory over Bundoora in Round 13.
The Roos used a six-goal to zip first quarter to claim the 14.12 (96) to 9.9 (63) victory at De Winton Park, securing their 12th win on the trot.
The result ended Bundoora’s five-game winning streak and saw the reigning premier slip from third spot to fifth on the ladder.
Anthony Doherty put in another trademark display on his way to a second-consecutive best on ground performance. He capped his performance with two goals.
Jack Langford was also influential around the ground for the Roos, while Brad Leggett was resolute in defence.
Billy Barden starred up forward in his return for the home side, booting four majors, while Joel Kidd and Patrick Martin also chimed in with two apiece.
Matthew Dennis was best afield for Bundoora, with his around the ground performance vital, including multiple intercept marks inside defensive 50.
Andrew Carmusciano, Daniel Guccione and Scott Dowell all kicked two goals in what was a tough afternoon to be a Bundoora forward.
The first quarter of the grand final rematch belonged completely to Macleod, with the home side booting six unanswered goals
The Roos burst out of the blocks, with Kidd snagging two early majors before Barden got his first two goals late in the quarter to give his side a massive 32-point buffer at the first change.
Bundoora was able to contain its opponent in the second quarter, with Damandeep Aujla booting his side’s first goal of the day early in the term.
However, the Bulls received a blow midway through the second term when Dennis received a yellow card.
It proved to be a low-scoring quarter, with James Condello kicking the only other goal for the term as Macleod maintained a 31-point advantage at the main break.
The Roos once again found their rhythm after the main break, with Barden kicking his third in the opening minute before Lucas Hobbs and Doherty converted. Langford then launched a long bomb through the big sticks to send the margin beyond 50 points.
Bundoora was able to slow the onslaught through goals to Carmusciano and Guccione. However, Barden replied with his fourth to push the margin out to 54 points heading into the final change.
The visitors wouldn’t go down without a fight, as Dowell ran into an open goal early in the last quarter before a major from an unlikely source in Dale Marshall, who booted his first for the season.
Martin kicked the Roos’ only goal for the quarter before Dowell kicked his second to reduce the margin to 33 points at the final siren.
Despite its winning run coming to an end, Bundoora was at least able to limit the hit to its percentage with its final-term resistance – which could prove vital come season’s end.
Macleod will play host to West Preston-Lakeside in another 1v3 matchup in Round 14, with the Roosters looking to separate themselves from the logjam in the middle of the ladder.
Bundoora will travel to Warringal Park to face Heidelberg in a crucial matchup, with both side currently sitting on 28 points after 13 rounds.
Final score: Macleod 14.12 (96) def Bundoora 9.9 (63)
