Bundoora put its disappointing second semi final loss to Montmorency behind it to record a 66-point win over Northcote Park in Sunday’s preliminary final at Preston City Oval.
A scintillating second quarter from the Bulls set up the 19.14 (128) to 8.14 (62) victory, setting up a rematch with the Magpies in the Division 1 Grand Final.
Reminiscent of their last meeting in Round 18 – where the Cougars held a comfortable lead at quarter time only for Bundoora to dominate the next three quarters – the Bulls were at it again, kicking 18 goals to five after quarter time.
There were winners all over the ground for the Bulls who were able to kick their highest score this finals series.
It was midfielder Ricky Dyson, who played arguably his best game for the club, who opened up the game after quarter time. Dyson’s heroics were aided by great performances from co-captains Micheal Farrelly and Brayden Shaw and ruckman Matthew Dennis.
Northcote Park produced a high intensity brand of football in the first quarter resulting in a 17-point lead at quarter time.
The Cougars kicked the first three goals of the quarter with the wind, before a late goal to Bulls forward Cameron Cloke gave his side some confidence heading into the second quarter.
After a strong start last week against Montmorency, the same effort and execution of skills didn’t seem to be with Bundoora in the preliminary final.
The Cougars appeared to be holding their own into the wind in the second term, particularly when Brock McLennan goaled 10 minutes into the term to cancel out Adrian Papaluca’s goal for Bundoora minutes before.
But what transpired next was sensational from Bundoora who had registered just three scoring shots to the 11-minute mark of the second term.
The Bulls went on a seven-goal unanswered run to open up a 33-point lead at half time.
Cloke added his second goal, Papaluca kicked his second for the game and Shaw kicked back to back goals late in the quarter. When Kent Delbridge converted from 30m out on the half time siren, the Bulls had kicked 53 unanswered points.
Northcote Park’s run off the half back line from Julian Violato, Shaun Lorenzini and Ben McNiece disappeared as Bundoora peppered the goals with 17 scoring shots to two for the quarter.
Goal for goal throughout the third quarter favoured Bundoora who was able to hold a commanding position heading into the last quarter.
While Northcote Park was able to win the third term, it missed a number of gettable shots at goal. The reigning premier booted seven behinds for the quarter, which made for 13 behinds in two quarters whilst kicking with the wind.
When Dyson set sail from outside 50m to slot the first goal of the last quarter, and his second for the game, Bundoora had safely booked its place in the Division 1 premiership decider.
Unlike its previous two final quarters this finals series – where it almost blew a 51-point lead against Heidelberg and coughed up a 40-point margin against Montmorency last week – the Bulls surged to the final siren.
Moorcroft joined in on the domination, kicking three goals for the quarter to go with as many assists for the day. Bundoora piled on eight goals for the term while the Cougars could only manage two goals.
It was the midfield of Dyson, Shaw, Farrelly, Dennis, Palazzolo and Carlyon who were all among the best players. All won the contested ball and clearances with stronger bodies and higher work rate.
The Bulls small forwards of Papaluca, Sal Mamone, and Moorcroft combined for nine goals, while also stopping the notorious run from the Cougars back half. Promisingly, the Bulls had a great spread of goal kickers with leading forwards Moorcroft and Cloke kicking just five of 19 goals.
For Northcote Park, its six-game winning streak at Preston came to an end, denying it the opportunity to defend its 2012 premiership title on the grand stage this year.
While the Cougars battled hard all day, it appeared they were out on their feet midway through the second term, unable to produce the run and spread that has become second nature for this side at Preston City Oval.
Fittingly, it will be the two sides who finished atop the ladder who will contest the Division 1 Grand Final, with Montmorency and Bundoora to meet for the premiership at Preston City Oval on Saturday.
Final score: Bundoora 19.14 (128) def Northcote Park 8.14 (62)
