BUNDOORA further pushed its claims for a September spot with a bruising 29-point win over Eltham in dreary conditions at Eltham Central Park.
It was an extremely dour contest up until the final change, with seven goals total kicked in the opening three terms.
However, a five goal-to-one final term proved critical, as the Bulls busted the game open to record a 9.9 (63) to 4.10 (34) victory.
The Bulls’ win sees them move a game clear of reigning premier Macleod in the top three, improving to 6-2 for the season.
Bundoora’s bigger bodies were too strong for the young Panthers, with star ruckman Matthew Dennis providing headaches in the air for Eltham and finishing with a goal.
Defender Trent Barbero was exceptional down back, whilst Brendan Carlyon and Liam Byrne continued their recent good form.
Eltham is left to rue another opportunity to cement itself inside the top five, slipping to 4-4 and out of the top five on percentage.
Key defender Eamon Gilbert was Eltham’s best, blanketing Gary Moorcroft for the majority of the game.
The Panthers dearly missed co-captain Bradyn Taglieri in the middle, with Gavan Connelly and Anton Woods left to carry the load in the clinches.
Having conceded an average of just 45 points over the past two rounds, Bundoora now boasts the third-tightest defence in the league and although conditions did not favour attacking football, the Bulls were able to strangle Eltham for large periods of the game.
The Panthers were unable to capitalise on early dominance, enjoying much of the play but proving ineffective going forward.
A goal to Isaac Muller against the run of play turned the tide, with further goals to Troy Barbero and Dennis ensuring Bundoora opened up a ten-point quarter time buffer.
Bundoora’s willingness to play direct footy in the wet weather began to pay dividends, as James Lord marked his return with a neat snap early in the second quarter.
Much like the first term, Eltham was able to win enough ball – but its finishing was woeful, allowing Bundoora to withstand the pressure.
However, a late Brendan Ryan goal ensured Eltham maintained touch heading into the main break.
Continued rain ensured conditions worsened, with the sides kicking a combined 1.9 in the third quarter.
Bundoora’s wastefulness in front of goal left the Panthers in the contest, with Eltham’s Darcy Vallance taking a number of intercept marks inside the Bulls’ attacking zone to stem the flow.
Eltham’s Chase Caulfield snared the quarter’s only goal thanks to good work from Bailey Taglieri, allowing the Panthers to close within six points at three quarter time.
However, Byrne’s instant goal followed by successive goals to Moorcroft and Muller within the first five minutes of the last term pushed Bundoora to an unassailable advantage.
Bundoora will move into second spot on the Division 1 ladder should it defeat Montmorency when it returns home in the first week of the Queen’s Birthday split round.
Eltham enjoys a week off, before travelling to play fierce rival Greensborough on June 18.
Final score: Eltham 4.10 (34) def by Bundoora 9.9 (63)
