Kilmore capped off a remarkable season with a hard-fought 24-point victory over Bundoora in the Marbuilt Division 3 U19.5 Grand Final, overcoming tense momentum swings and capitalising when it mattered most.
With both sides having their moments in front of a packed crowd, the Blues’ composure and class in the big moments proved the difference, securing them premiership glory 10.15 (75) to 6.15 (51)
Kicking with the breeze, Kilmore were quick to wrestle control after an even and congested opening. They dominated territory and possession, though it took some time for their scoreboard pressure to reflect their ascendancy.
A sharp front-and-centre finish brought the opening goal before a composed set shot extended the lead. The Blues looked in complete control as they piled on repeat entries, punishing a costly dropped mark from Bundoora’s defence with another major.
The Bulls needed a response and found one through Jack White, who finished superbly from the flank to settle his side and keep them within reach. Still, Kilmore went to the first break 12 points clear, 3.2 (20) to 1.2 (8).
Bundoora came out with energy in the second term, surging the ball forward repeatedly but struggling to convert. Against the run of play, William Bowshall-Tanner produced a brilliant snap to give Kilmore a crucial goal into the wind.
From there, however, the Bulls lifted, with Sebastian Cox and Matthew Longden driving them into attack. Momentum swung heavily when a 50-metre penalty gifted Ned Grossmann a goal, before Elijah Church converted shortly after to reduce the margin to just three points.
A third goal in as many minutes saw Bundoora hit the front for the first time. But just as the game threatened to slip, Kilmore steadied through Bowshall-Tanner’s second.
A missed chance on the half-time siren left Bundoora trailing by three points at the main break, Kilmore 5.3 (33) to Bundoora 4.6 (30).
With the wind back in their favour, Kilmore produced their defining burst of football in the third. Jarvis Sleep, lively all afternoon, nailed a spectacular banana to stretch the margin to nine points.
While Bundoora replied through a well-worked team goal, the Blues answered immediately, with a quick snap out of traffic restoring their buffer. Kilmore’s confidence grew, and a classy finish from Jaxin Harvey extended the lead to 20 points.
Bundoora’s missed chances proved costly, including a poster from close range, as Kilmore punished them with another late major to blow the margin out to 26 points at three-quarter time, 9.12 (66) to 5.9 (39).
Needing a spark, Bundoora pushed hard early in the last but again wasted opportunities in front of goal. Kilmore, meanwhile, managed the game superbly, slowing the tempo and denying the Bulls clean entries.
Though Bundoora finally broke through to reduce the margin to 20, the Blues steadied once more with a clutch goal midway through the term to restore a commanding advantage. From there, Kilmore controlled proceedings, their defence holding firm as the minutes ticked away.
When the final siren sounded, the Blues ran out 24-point winners, 10.15 (75) to 6.15 (51), sending their fans into jubilation.
Thomas Wardley was immense for Kilmore, winning the best-on-ground medal for his influence around the contest and composure in big moments. Jarvis Sleep and William Bowshall-Tanner also starred, while Rohan McRae battled hard for the Bulls.
In the end, Kilmore’s ability to seize their moments and convert when it mattered most proved the difference, capping off a premiership campaign to remember.
