West Preston-Lakeside held off a determined Bundoora to win by four points and stay one game clear of Eltham and Macleod in fifth place on the Division 1 ladder.
In a highly entertaining game the momentum swung dramatically multiple times; however the Bulls will rue their inaccurate kicking. They finished with 9.15 (69) to West Preston Lakeside’s 11.7 (73) at J.E. Moore Park.
It was West Preston Lakeside’s leg speed combined with its efficient disposal that proved the difference. Once the Roosters got into space they left the Bulls behind, often getting over the back for goals.
Looking back to full fitness, Xavier Clarke was the best exponent of this for the Roosters. He constantly moved passed opponents with ease and his run and carry swiftly turned defence into attack.
Jacob Ramaekers was another whose run was damaging while Andrew Dobby was excellent around the packs distributing the ball to the runners and contributing to the spread as well.
The win would also not have been possible without Michael Batey whose role as a spare man in defence was crucial in the victory. He frustrated Bundoora’s talls, restricting the opportunities of their dangerous forward line.
After a poor first half, Bundoora could have almost considered itself lucky to finish so close to victor, but for an amazing third quarter where it kept the Roosters scoreless to turn a 33-point half-time deficit into a four-point lead at the final change.
David Mitchell was one of the keys to turning the game around. He was able to match the Roosters for pace and win plenty of possessions. Brayden Shaw also had an impact winning lots of contested possessions and clearances.
Trent Barbero was excellent off the half backline, cutting off attacks, and applying plenty of pressure. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough.
Right from it first goal it was clear that West Preston-Lakeside was intent on causing an upset. After Damien Smith snapped truly from a pack the Roosters kicked three of the next five against a two-goal wind to leave Bundoora reeling.
It only got worse from there for the Bulls as West Preston-Lakeside put on a clinic of fast-moving, accurate football in the second quarter. The Roosters kicked the first two of the quarter, one of which was a result of brilliant piece of play by Clarke.
Bundoora was able to wrestle back control but could only manage one goal. This made the three goals for the Roosters that followed hurt that little bit more.
After the half Bundoora came out as a new team. Their big names such as Shaw and Dyson began to fire as the Bulls slowed the game down to creating more stoppages, and locked the ball in their forward half.
West Preston-Lakeside watched in vain is its lead disappeared on the back of five consecutive goals to Bundoora, setting up a close last quarter as rain began to fall.
The first goal of the final term was crucial. It would either crush West Preston-Lakeside’s spirit or develop it, and just as in the first quarter, Damien Smith got the job done. This goal would prove to be the buffer as the game descended into a tight scrap in the falling rain.
Bundoora had most of the play in the last, but West Preston-Lakeside defended its spot in the finals with everything. When Jacob Ramaekers ran into an open goal over the back with only minutes left, the game was sealed.
The Bulls now face the very real prospect of slipping to third on the table hen they host ladder-leader Montmorency at Yulong Reserve in Round 16. West Preston-Lakeside ventures to Lower Plenty to take on former coach Vin Dattoli and his relegation-threatened Bears.
Final score: West Preston-Lakeside 11.7 (73) def Bundoora 9.15 (69)
