Bundoora’s experienced players stood up when it was needed as the Bulls come from behind in the dying minutes to beat Whittlesea in the Northern Football League on Saturday.
After leading at every break in the Division 1 match, the Bulls found themselves eight points behind with three minutes to go against a determined Eagles side.
But they found that little extra and eventually got home 14.9 (93)14.7 (91).
Bulls’ football manager Darryl Richards said they were lucky to win.
“It was an ebb and flow sort of game,” he said.
“We were in control at quartertime and got out to a four or fivegoal lead.
“Then Whittlesea fired up, got back into the game and really took control in the third quarter.
“They were really pumped going into the last quarter.”
Richards said his side’s little extra experience proved to be the difference.
One of those to step up in the second half was Gary Moorcroft in his 100th game for the club.
“We would have been at the death knell if not for Gary,” he said.
For more pictures of the game, CLICK HERE
“He was reasonably well held in the first half but got away a bit in the second.”
Moorcroft finished with four goals, while Josh Graboswki kicked three.
Trent Barbero was named best on ground and his brother, Troy, was also named.
“Trent down back held Andrew Fairchild quiet [he kicked one goal] while Troy propelled plenty of forward attacks,” Richards said.
“We’re happy to have them both back in the fold this year.”
Janan Daniel kicked four goals for the Eagles, with Thomas Falls named their best.
The Bulls move to 41 with the win, while the Eagles remain winless.
Richards said his side was in a good place at this time of the year.
“It’s the total reverse of last year when we were struggling and had no depth,” he said.
“Our seniors and reserves are both 41, with our under19s not far behind,
“Our depth is good this year.”
In division 2, Thomastown suffered its second straight loss, this time against North Heidelberg.
The Bears trailed at every break and kicked just two goals in the second half in the 11.14 (80)5.13 (43) loss.
Carl Peterson kicked two goals for the Bears with Ricky Mercuri the best in the loss.
Lalor had the bye.
