A last quarter comeback from Bundoora fell just short in its Northern Football League division 1 qualifying final against Northcote Park.
With a chance to play off for a grand final spot, both sides threw everything into the game.
Northcote Park got the jump on the Bulls twice, using the wind to its advantage in the first and third quarters.
In the third quarter it kicked four goals to nil to take a 31-point lead into the last break.
The Bulls didn’t give up, knowing they had the wind in the final quarter.
Northcote Park kicked the first goal of the last quarter to extend the lead, but from there on it was all the Bulls – they kicked the last five goals of the game to bring the margin back to less than a goal 17 minutes into the last quarter.
But the Bulls couldn’t finish the job and Northcote Park managed to hold on, winning 9.10 (64)-8.14 (62).
Nicholas Grabowski kicked three goals for the Bulls.
Bulls big man Matthew Dennis did as he usually does, dominating the game, and was named his side’s best player.
It’s not all bad news for the Bulls.They now get a second chance, taking on Greensborough in an elimination semi-final.
Greensborough won through to the semi-final by defeating West Preston Lakeside 9.8 (62)-3.13 (31) in its elimination final.
The Bulls and Greensborough played each other in the final round of the regular season. The Bulls won on that occasion.
