Bundoora is through to the Northern Football League division 1 grand final.
It was a blow out at Preston City Oval as the Bulls faced North Heidelberg in the division 1 preliminary final on SundaY.
The Bulls were dominant from early in the clash, keeping the Bulldogs a goalless until the third term.
It was the Bulls’ second quarter that really set them up for victory, outsourcing the Bulldogs 61 to one, giving them an 80 point half time lead.
In the third term the Bulldogs finally registered a goal, but the pain didn’t stop with the Bulls also hitting the scoreboard.
In the last term the sides evened out, yet with an unassailable lead, it was not to worry for the Bulls as they stroll into a grand final as 87 point victors, winning 20.13 (133)-6.10 (46).
After losing last week to Heidelberg by 58 points coach Michael Ryan said he was pleased with his group’s response.
“We’re extremely happy with yesterday’s [Sunday’s] performance and to be able to go to another grand final is a real credit to the club,” he said.
“I thought for us to respond as a group after what had happened last week against Heidelberg was a real test of the resilience and character of the group.
“I was happy with our ability to win clearance and get the ball forward early and our connection in all three parts of the ground.
“We defended the ground really well, and off the back of our defence we were able to attack as well and generate scoring opportunities.”
For the Bulls former AFL journeyman Shaun McKernan and John Jorgensen booted four goals each in the win, Peter McEvoy kicked three, Kyle Green and Sam Lloyd had two each.
The Bulls will again face Heidelberg on Saturday afternoon in the grand final. The two teams faced off in last seasons’ grand final as well.
“We definitely don’t go in wounded whatsoever from the Heidelberg game,” Ryan said.
“What we need to be able to do is learn from that game and take some learning out of it to ensure that we can put our best foot forward this Saturday.
“We’ve already had a lengthy discussion about some areas of the ground we need to improve in to bounce back this weekend.
“I’ve got full confidence in the group that we’ll give it a really strong showing this Saturday.”
Harper Sercombe
