Bundoora is ruing the one that got away after a one-point loss to Eltham in division 1 of the Northern Football League on Saturday.
A win would have put the Bulls a game clear in fifth position but they are now back in the pack in the race for a finals spot – the 9.13 (67) – 9.12 (66) loss pushing them down from fifth to sixth.
Bulls football manager Daryl Richards said the loss could be a costly one.
“We needed that to put us into the top five with a buffer,” he said. “Eltham now has a game on us and we’re equal on points with Lower Plenty.
“It will be a tough run home and a test of the side’s character.”
Richards said Saturday’s game was a disappointing result considering the side was at full strength apart from Ricky Dyson, who was out with a hamstring injury.
He said the final minutes proved costly.
“There was lots of ebbs and flows and the lead changed a fair bit,” Richards said.
“We were 10 or 11 points up with a couple of minutes to go.
“We tried to shut the game down and get players behind the ball, but we couldn’t touch the ball.
“Eltham fought the game out and they have to be commended.”
Brent Marshall was the best for the Bulls, along with Matthew Dennis and Ned McKeown.
The Bulls will have plenty of time to think about the loss, with the side having a bye this week.
“They need a freshen up,” Richards said. “But the last time we came off the bye we were lethargic in the next game, so we’re hoping not to have a repeat of that.
“We’ll mix things up at training, look at more skills training and work on issues like turnovers and the way we bring the ball back in after opposition points.”
Lalor is now on top of the division 2 ladder after beating Hurstbridge 14.12 (96) – 10.11 (71).
After trailing at half-time, the Bloods kicked eight goals to three in the second half, with Todd Hughes grabbing five.
Scott Morrison was best-on-ground.
The win sees the Bloods two points ahead of Hurstbridge and Thomastown, which lost 17.17 (119) – 9.11 (65) against Fitzroy Stars.
Whittlesea is a further two points back after beating Mernda 22.16 (148) – 9.6 (60).
Andrew Fairchild kicked seven goals for the Eagles.
