Bundoora is setting itself to finish third and get a second finals chance in division 1 of the Northern Football League.
But the Bulls are just as aware they could miss out on the finals altogether.
Only two games separate third from sixth, with the Bulls currently fourth.
The Bulls took the points on Saturday in a 13.15 (93) – 10.7 (67) win against West Preston Lakeside.
“I think we were in control for most of the game and we brought it home hard in the last quarter,” football manager Darryl Richards said.
“It was a real team effort but Matty Dennis was the standout in the middle of the ground.”
Richards said one of the big pluses was the form of former AFL player and veteran Gary Moorcroft.
“About two weeks ago we decided we needed more experience around the ball to help get clearances,” he said.
“We put Gary onto a wing to use his experience and body around the contest. He hasn’t said much about the change in role but I think he’s thriving.
“There’s a hell of a lot of work for him to do on the wing and he’s pretty sore after the game, but he recovers really well.”
With no Moorcroft in the forward line, the Bulls could have struggled for goals, but they seem to have several options.
And with forwards Liam Byrne, Josh Grabowski and Adrian Papaluca all missing on Saturday, Ned McKeown stood up with five goals.
“He came back to us from playing VFL with Collingwood,” Richards said.
“We played him in defence and around the ground but we moved him to full forward in the last quarter and he kicked four goals.”
The Bulls play top side Macleod this week.
“We then play Lower Plenty and it could come down to that game who plays finals,” Richards said. “We’re still looking to sneak into third spot.”
In division 2, the finals race is still alive after Fitzroy Stars won a thriller 18.13 (121) – 19.6 (120) against Whittlesea to keep their finals hopes alive.
Lalor is back on top of the ladder after an 80-point win against Panton Hill.
