Tara Murray
Bundoora will have to make the grand final the hard way after one of the more stunning semi-finals in the Northern Football League division 1.
The Bulls and Heidelberg couldn’t be separated at the final siren on Saturday in their semi final with extra time needed to decide the winner.
The match would come down to a kick on siren from Heidelberg after a free kick. They would convert to seal the 10.10 (70)-9.10 (64) win.
Bulls coach Michael Ryan said he had never been involved in a match like that before and doubted many if any players had.
“It was a brilliant game of football,” he said. “To be a draw at the end of regular time and then go into overtime, it was a credit to both sides.
“Both teams left everything out there.”
The lead changed throughout the game, with the Bulls leading by nine points at the last break. It was four goals to three in the last quarter, before the Tigers got the sealer in extra time.
Ryan said they had their opportunities to claim a win and a grand final spot.
“We had some chances but Heidelberg was in front when the final siren went,” he said. “In regular time [in the last quarter] when we had the lead we had the chance to extend the lead, but weren’t able to capitalise.
“Heidelberg were able to capitalise on their opportunities.
Jesse King and John Jorgensen kicked two goals each for the Bulls.
Skipper Brent Marshall was named his side’s best alongside Jackson Davies. Ryan said Ryan Sturgess, Joel Fitzgerald, Hamish Shepheard and Kain Proctor also had good games.
He said it was pleasing to see some of the younger guys step up on the big stage.
“Heading into the Montmorency game, we had eight players playing their first senior final,” he said.
“The pressure is another level and the intensity lifts in finals. The guys are really adjusting to that now.”
The Bulls got through the match which is a positive ahead of the preliminary final on Sunday.
Ryan said on Sunday morning that the group had already turned their attention to the preliminary final.
“The attitude is really great,” he said. “They’ve dusted themselves off and were all at recovery this morning.
“The focus is now to get the win whoever we play and have another shot at Heidelberg.”
Montmorency will face West Preston Lakeside in the other semi final on Sunday.
