Reigning premier Bundoora is hitting its straps at the right time in Northern Football League division 1.
After struggling with injuries all season, the Bulls needed to win their last match of the regular season to make the finals.
After a slow start, the Panthers proved too strong for Eltham winning 14.13 (97)-7.9 (51) to secure fourth place on the ladder.
Football manager Darryl Richards was a relieved man after the game.
“You cannot come off being the premier and not make finals the next year,” he said. “It would have been embarrassing.”
Despite being favourites, the Panthers knew they couldn’t take it easy against the Bulls.
“They have been our bogey team over the last few years,” Richards said. “They were in front at quarter-time and we stepped it up a level after that. We managed to extend the lead by two to three goals each quarter.”
Richards said there was a good reason for the slow start.
“It’s the first time this season we have had most of our premiership players on the park – all but Salvatore Mamone, who dislocated his shoulder last week.
“Marlon Mitchell played his first game of the season and Kent Delbridge returned as well.
“It meant we had to do a bit of tinkering to get the right match-ups and positions.”
Former AFL player Gary Moorcroft kicked seven goals in a best-on-ground performance.
“We played a bit into his hands and allowed him to be one out. He had three to four points before he scored a goal.”
This week the Bulls face Macleod.
“I think we play the Preston City Oval as good as anyone in the competition,” Richards said. “They are a young, fit, energetic side who run hard. We need to start the game up and about and get them chasing our tails early.”
Whittlesea lost to Greensborough 19.20 (134) to 6.6 (42).
In division 2, Epping has suffered its second successive relegation after losing to Diamond Creek 20.14 (134) to 8.9 (57).
After dropping from division 1 last season, the Pingers will play in division 3 next season.
Mernda and Lalor, who will contest the semi-final, had losses.
Lalor went down to Hurstbridge 16.13 (109) to 10.16 (76), while Mernda lost to Panton Hill 7.8 (50) to 6.10 (46).
