Heidelberg remain on top of the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 ladder after an impressive 30-point win over Bundoora at Warringal Park.
The 12.11 (83) to 8.5 (53) victory was the Tigers’ ninth-straight win, as they continue to press their claims as the team to beat in season 2022.
Despite the dominance the Bulls have shown in the last five weeks, they again failed to get over the Tigers but still hold third spot and look all but certain to grab a double chance position by season’s end.
Sam Gilmore undoubtedly the best player on the ground as he continues yet another brilliant season. He dominated the ruck battle all day for the Tigers, giving silver platter service to his midfielders and as a result, was named in Heidelberg’s best players for the eighth time in 11 games this season.
Joshua Minogue was incredible up forward kicking five majors, taking his season tally to 37 goals. He was a constant threat every time the ball entered Heidelberg’s forward 50, and he took multiple contested marks.
Tom Schnerring and Luke Bunker also produced solid performances for the Tigers, winning a lot of the ball through the midfield and at stoppages.
Returning from injury, Ryan Sturgess stood up in defence for the Bulls and was their best for the afternoon, while Jake Hobbs and John Jorgenson were both threatening up forward kicking two goals each.
The match started off slow, with either team unable to take an early hold of the match, before Kyle Green kicked the first goal of the day for the Bulls with a nice snap from the pocket.
Heidelberg were then able to gain control for the rest of the quarter kicking three of the next four goals, taking a seven-point lead into the first break.
The Tigers continued to control the game in the second quarter when they kicked four goals, while limiting Bundoora to just two, helping them head into the main break with a 19-point advantage.
It was the third term where Heidelberg started to dominate the match despite the visitors kicking the first major of the quarter, they were winning every clearance, keeping the ball in their front half, and were moving the ball well across the ground.
The Tigers kicked three majors unanswered with the highlight of the term being a classy snap from 50-metres out by Sam Wright. With all the momentum, the home side could do little wrong as they headed into three quarter time with a 36-point advantage.
As a win was out of a reach for the Bulls in the fourth quarter, Heidelberg got out to a game high 43-point lead before Daniel Younan and Sam Lloyd were able to kick two consolation goals to cut the final deficit to 30-points.
