Bundoora is hoping to find the consistency it needs to be a threat in Northern Football League division 1.
The Bulls have shown they can match it with the top sides, including beating ladder leader Heidelberg throughout the season, but then have put in disappointing performances against some of the lower teams.
It was that sort of inconsistency that saw them finish the regular season fourth, setting up an elimination clash against Northcote Park this weekend.
Bulls football manager Darryl Richards said the players know they have to take it to another level in the finals.
“We are pretty comfortable at the moment and haven’t got many injuries,” Richards said.
“Our form isn’t quite where we want it to be. We’ve shown that when pressed this year, we’ve got another level.”
“It’s a mindset thing. We’ve worked on video reviews and that has been a real focus. It allows us to focus on what they are doing right and also what they’re doing wrong.
“It’s a lot easier to show them everything than telling them.”
Richards said the Bulls were looking at other options in front of goal to help them kick winning scores on a more regular basis.
Veteran forward Gary Moorcroft leads the competition’s goalkicking with 64, but the club’s next best is Matthew Dennis with 20.
“We have the best ruckman in the competition and a strengthened on-ball outfit,” Richards said. “Our defence the last few years has been good, but we’ve lacked in other areas.
“We have to find other avenues to goal. Jack Furlong is a bit of a wing man, but we’ve thrown him forward sporadically, while our other midfielders need to kick goals, too.”
On Saturday, the Bulls finished off the regular season with a 15.15 (105)-10.2 (62) loss to Heidelberg.
The Bulls will play their elimination final against Northcote Park on Sunday at Preston City Oval. Macleod will play Greensborough on Saturday in a qualifying final.
In division 2, North Heidelberg will play Hurstbridge and Fitzroy Stars will face Diamond Creek.
