In a battle between two teams who are expected to feature at the top end of the ladder, it was the Cougars who were able to run and carry the ball – beating the Bulls 14.18 (102) to 11.15 (81) in windy conditions.
The Cougars moved the ball effortlessly through the middle of the ground as they opened up the Bundoora defence. They were able to use their speed through the midfield and height up forward to come away with the four points.
After a low scoring first quarter, the game opened up after the first break providing great viewing for the fans of both sides.
The Bulls’ biggest problem was their disposal efficiency when kicking inside 50m. On numerous occasions players put the ball at the forward’s feet, put the ball on top of Cameron Cloke’s head and blasted long into open space with no forward able to get near the ball.
The first term saw numerous skill errors and easy chances on goal missed by both teams as they adjusted to the windy conditions that hardly favoured either end, rather it pushed the ball over to the far side of the ground.
Bundoora had more inside 50s in the second and third quarters than Northcote Park but was unable to make the most of this.
The performance from Cougars’ defender Ben McNiece on leading goal scorer Gary Moorcroft was best afield worthy. While Moorcroft was able to kick three goals, it was McNiece who was clearly on top, outmarking him on numerous occasions.
McNiece’s rebounding on the last line of defence and intercept marking set the tone for the rest of the Northcote Park backline.
Cougars captain Bronik Davies was again outstanding, capping off a good day with a last quarter goal from 50m. The Northcote Park midfield led by Davies, Narby Kelly, Daniel Ledda and rotating ruckman Jai Middleton and Oliver McEwan worked effectively together.
For Bundoora, Chris Varsamakis and Brent Marshall gathered plenty of the ball, Adrian Papaluca and Sal Mamone proved a spark on the outside, while Brayden Shaw looked dangerous up forward when supplied with the ball.
The windy conditions made it tough to kick goals with 33 behinds scored for the afternoon, but it didn’t stop Brock McLennan and his outstanding goal. His 40m belter from the pocket on his opposite foot to start the last quarter opened up a 30-point lead that was enough for the Cougars to feel safe with the victory.
Next week Northcote Park will look to bring its tally to three wins against Epping at Epping Recreational Reserve while Bundoora come up against Eltham back home at Yulong Reserve.
Final score: Northcote Park 14.18 (102) def Bundoora 11.15 (81)
