Tara Murray
Three years of hard work has paid off for Bundoora as it earned a Northern Football League division 1 grand final spot.
After the Bulls finished an uncharacteristic second bottom in 2018, the Bulls under a newly appointed Michael Ryan set about turning things around.
With COVID-19 impacting the next couple of years, the Bulls have been biding their time.
On Saturday, they were rewarded for their effort with a win against Montmorency and a grand final spot.
Bulls coach Michael Ryan said it would be a massive week for the club.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “It’s really exciting with both the reserves and seniors in the grand final.
“It’s a reward for all the hard work and effort the last three years. When the season last year got shut down we had a lot of momentum.
“We went again with another strong pre-season for 2022 and here we are now.”
On Sunday in the preliminary final against Montmorency, Ryan was thrilled with how his group responded after a heart breaking semi final loss the previous week.
They led from start to finish on Sunday, winning 10.16 (76)-4.7 (31).
“I thought the midfield was sensational.
“They were clean at the stoppage and were able to win the clearances and get our forwards shots on goals.
“The likes of Hamish Shepheard, Brendan Carlyon, Sam Lloyd were really good.”
Lloyd, Danny Younan and Ryan Sturgess kicked two goals each for the Bulls. Carlyon and Neville Jetta were named the Bulls best.
Ryan said it was nice to have the game sewn up at three quarter meaning they could rest a few blokes in the last quarter.
He said everyone got through unscathed and they would have a full list to pick from besides former Essendon player David Zaharakis, who is filming a reality tv show.
The Bulls will face Heidelberg for the second time this finals series. After the semi final between the teams decided on the siren in extra time, a thriller could be on the cards.
“It will definitely be a close game this week,” Ryan said. “Both teams will be evenly matched and it will be a good contest.
“Fingers crossed we will be on the positive ledger.”
Ryan said it would be a special week for the club with the excitement around the club. He said they wanted the players to embrace the moment and soak the week up.
