In blustery conditions, Bundoora were able to come home with a comprehensive 36-point win over South Morang in their Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 clash at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
The Bulls’ class by foot, depth across the ground, and clinical ball use proved too much for the Lions, who fought hard but couldn’t match their opposition’s polish for four quarters, with scores settling on 11.8 (74) to 5.9 (39) in favour of Bundoora.
Heath Scotland’s men now move two games clear of South Morang at the foot of the Division 1 table, sitting equal on wins with Eltham after they lost to West Preston-Lakeside.
Luke Lo Valvo impressed with his pace and creativity all afternoon, playing a key role in Bundoora’s transition game while Liam Mallia set the tone early with three first-quarter goals.
Isaac McMillan continued his excellent season in midfield and defence while Peter McEvoy was also a major presence in attack in his 50th Bundoora game.
Deacon Kalpakis was tireless in defense for South Morang alongside his brother Mitch, with both trying to keep their team in it.
Tye Hall also fought hard in midfield alongside Bailey Brown and Tyrone Leonardis while Joshua Lansfield was the Lions only multiple goalscorer.
South Morang started with intent, controlling early possession through careful ball movement and switching across the ground.
However, Bundoora’s defensive unit stood tall, consistently intercepting and rebounding with precision.
Jesse King opened the scoring for the Bulls, quickly followed by back-to-back majors from Liam Mallia, who looked threatening every time the ball went forward.
Mallia would finish the quarter with three goals to his name, capping off a dominant term where the Bulls kicked five unanswered goals to take a commanding 34-point lead at quarter time.
The second term saw South Morang find their footing, dominating territory early. Noah Cumberland finally broke through with the Lions’ first goal of the game ten minutes in, rewarding their forward pressure.
However, despite controlling large patches of play, they struggled to fully capitalise on their chances with the wind.
A steadying goal against the breeze from Bundoora youngster Rohan McRae extended the lead again before a brilliant snap from Kain Hall and another Lions goal brought the margin back to just 18 points at the main break.
The premiership quarter was a tight contest with both sides having periods of control. Deacon Kalpakis was immense for South Morang, intercepting and driving the ball forward.
The Lions had multiple inside 50s but found it difficult to break through a well-structured Bundoora defense.
A soccered goal from Joshua Lansfield gave the Lions hope, but a late goal to Peter McEvoy after a fortuitous bounce pushed the margin back out to 27 points heading into the final term.
Kicking with the wind in the final term, South Morang needed a fast start, but it was Bundoora who took control early.
Jack Maruff slotted two goals in the quarter, extending the lead to an insurmountable 37 points midway through the term.
Despite another classy boundary-line finish from Cumberland and a second for McRae, the Lions couldn’t bridge the gap.
