Many people wrote off Bundoora at the start of the Northern Football League division 1 season after they lost half of last year’s side.
Despite winning the premiership only two years ago and making the finals in 2014, there was even talk the Bulls would be caught up in a fight against relegation this season.
But, as with all good clubs, you don’t ever rule them out.
After a slow start, the Bulls hit their straps with five wins in a row, including one against then-ladder leader Macleod in the second-last round.
The Bulls go into their first final, against Northcote Park on Sunday, as one of the form teams in the competition.
Football manager Darryl Richards said the club had faith in the players it brought in this season.
“With 11 new players it was a bit of rebuild and it was going to take at least half a season to learn how to play together,” Richards said.
“A lot of people had written us off and, sadly, they didn’t look at who we had brought in.
“You’re never going to replace a captain like Brayden Shaw or a full forward like Cameron Cloke, but we were fairly happy with who we had got into the club.
“We are immensely proud of the players.’
On Saturday, the Bulls won a shoot-out against Lower Plenty, 28.12 (180) – 19.19 (133).
“We came out firing as we still had a chance of finishing third on the ladder,” Richards said.
“Once we knew that wasn’t going to happen, we went into survival mode to make sure nobody got hurt.
“Jimmy Lord got a slight concussion, while Kent Delbridge has a slight hamstring strain. Both will play this week.”
Ned McKeown kicked six goals in the win against Lower Plenty.
“He started forward and kicked three goals in the first quarter and then we moved him back in the second quarter as we’re trying to work on his defensive deficiencies,” Richards said.
“He went back forward in the last quarter. “He doesn’t mind playing back or forward but isn’t a great lover of playing in the ruck. He even played on a wing at one point.”
The Bulls finished fourth to earn a place in the elimination final against Northcote Park.
“We’ve beaten them twice this year and we match up really well against them,” Richards said.
“Finals is a different story and which VFL-listed players play could make a difference.”
