A seven goal to two final quarter set up the 18.15 (123) to 12.5 (77) victory for the Bulls as they now turn into the second half of the season in formidable form.
Cameron Cloke again proved the match winner for the Bulls with six goals for the game, four of those coming in the last quarter. While Greensborough defender Daniel Fowler held Cloke quiet in the first half, Cloke unchained the shackles in the second half – extending his lead on the goal kicking tally and bringing him to 41 goals for the season.
Greensborough took a small lead into the quarter time break but halfway through the second quarter, following a three goal unanswered run from the Bulls, the lead was gone and never came back for the Boro.
Bundoora continued to put the pieces together as it continues its run towards the finals. On numerous occasions the Bulls were able to move the ball from one end to the other cleanly, not even worrying about the wet sloppy conditions. The signs of a premiership side were on show.
The Bulls had plenty of opportunities early in the third quarter to put the game beyond reach but were unable to put the Boro away. The visitors then brought the margin back to eight points through goals from Rhys Boyden, Lachlan McQuilken and Aron Burns.
However, two brilliant goals in a minute from Bulls small man Adrian Papaluca steadied the ship when the Boro were playing their best footy.
Greensborough coach Robert Hyde addressed his players at three quarter time willing them not to roll over and to continue to run and carry the ball, a game plan that had worked for them in their third quarter fight back.
Hyde was adamant that the first goal and first five minutes of the final quarter would play a key role in winning the game for the Boro. Unfortunately for Greensborough it was Cloke who put through the first, stretching the lead out to 20 points.
The Bulls were too strong against an undisciplined Greensborough in the final quarter who gave away three 50m penalties which all resulted in goals. The margin was blown out in the end, not giving a true indication of the tight contest between these two rivals.
The Bulls were without captain Michael Farrelly and last year’s league best and fairest winner Matty Dennis, but found cover through James Lord who played his best game for the Bulls this season.
Lord played beyond his years, taking pack marks, making smart decisions when using the ball and kicked two goals as well.
Along with Cloke and Lord, Michael Mitchell, Brent Marshall Adrian Papaluca and David Mitchell all were amongst Bundoora’s better players in a solid team performance.
The Boro were brave for three quarters, only trailing by 14 points at three quarter time. Their straight kicking for goal was keeping them in the game, only registering three behinds compared to Bundoora’s 11 heading into the last quarter.
Tristan Stead was the Boro’s most consistent player throughout the game while Josh Grubb, Ricky Mullins, Josh Callaway, Chris Clark and Rhys Boyden proved serviceable.
Next week Greensborough, with the inclusion of Sydney great Michael O’Loughlin, takes on the undefeated Montmorency in what should be a fantastic day down at War Memorial.
Bundoora faces Lower Plenty at Montmorency Oval in a danger game after Lower Plenty’s previous victory against Heidelberg.
Final score: Bundoora 18.15 (123) def Greensborough 12.5 (77)
