Bundoora claimed an impressive 10-point victory in the qualifying final against Heidelberg to set up a mouth-watering second semi final clash with Montmorency next week.
A seven-goal last quarter from the Tigers wasn’t enough to get them the victory as the Bulls held on for a 13.10 (88) to 10.18 (78) victory at Preston City Oval.
The Bulls led by 51 points at three-quarter time and seemingly looked like holding on for a comfortable win. However, the Tigers made the most of the wind in the fourth term, something they struggled to do in the second quarter.
While the win never looked in genuine doubt for Bundoora, there certainly were a few hairy moments during the Tigers’ surge in the last quarter.
With a breeze favouring the city end, Bundoora used it to advantage in the first quarter and led by 19 points. Cameron Cloke shelved any doubt about his knee injury with two early goals from strong marks, while his forward counterparts James Lord and Gary Moorcroft added a goal each.
There was a fair presumption that the Tigers would kick more than Bundoora’s four goals with the wind, however, a resilient Bundoora defence led by Trent Barbero held the Tigers forwards to just two goals in the second quarter.
Making matters worse for Heidelberg, the Bulls forwards added another three majors to their total to extend the lead to 21 points at half time.
Bundoora used the middle corridor and precise kicking to set up their goals into the wind, while Heidelberg over-possessed the ball instead of moving it quickly into attack.
The third quarter again belonged to the Bulls who kicked five answered goals – including three in five minutes shortly after the restart.
While Heidelberg improved its ball movement, it wasn’t able to find a target within close range on goal. Instead, it was forced to have shots from outside 50m which resulted in only three behinds for the quarter.
The desperation from the Bulls was evident through Brendan Carlyon’s intercepted mark in his defensive goal square midway through the third quarter, stopping a certain Heidelberg goal.
Matty Dennis’ versatility was evident as he dominated in the ruck and played a kick behind the play, providing that extra chop out for the Bulls. He led all players for contested marks on his way to the Narellan Pools Player of the Day.
Micheal Farrelly and Andrew Carmusciano played key roles for the Bundoora midfield in the centre clearances while also dropping off and playing the sweeping role that proved very helpful when kicking into the wind.
Kent Delbridge played a great first half down back and then an even better second half up forward where he kicked two goals. Cloke again proved vital for the Bulls with four goals and at least as many assists.
The only concerns for Bundoora will be injuries suffered to James Lord and Brayden Shaw who will both be doing everything possible to be fit in time for next week’s game against Montmorency.
Heidelberg’s errant kicking on goal will be a focus of improvement in next week’s game. Anytime a side kicks 18 behinds from 28 scoring shots, it cannot expect to come out victorious.
It will now prove a tough task for the Tigers to reach a 10th consecutive Grand Final, needing to take the long route in a very evenly-contested finals series.
Brad Miller showed glimpses of promise for Heidelberg along with ruckman Michael Finn. Midfielders Jamie Allen and Blair Harvey and defender Jason Kennedy, who went down forward in the last quarter and kicked four goals, were also amongst Heidelberg’s best.
The Tigers must now re-group and will face either Northcote Park or Eltham in do-or-die final next Sunday, while Bundoora faces Montmorency for the first place in this year’s Division 1 Grand Final.
Final score: Bundoora 13.10 (88) def Heidelberg 10.18 (78)
