By Tara Murray
Bundoora’s season came to a disappointing end in the Northern Football League division 1 semi-final on Sunday.
For the first two and half quarters, Bundoora and West Preston Lakeside looked set to play out a thriller.
The Bulls were in front for much of that time, but the Roosters stayed in touch.
They were able to level the scores heading into the final quarter.
The last quarter was one way traffic in the direction of the Roosters’ goals.
With Ahmed Saad putting on a show, the Roosters kicked eight goals to none in the final quarter, to win 18.8 (116)-9.10 (64) and seal a preliminary final spot.
Bulls coach Ricky Dyson said it was disappointing to finish the season that way.
“We fought hard for two and half quarters,” he said. “I think their class showed through in the back end of the third quarter and in the last quarter.
“We were chasing a tail a bit there and they were far too good for us on the day.”
Dyson said had they been able to make the most of their opportunities in the first half and put some scoreboard pressure on, it may have been a different story.
But it’s been a story of their season, unable to convert in front of goal.
While scores were level at three-quarter time, Dyson said they could see at that point the Roosters had taken charge.
Saad, who had kicked five goals in the first three quarters, kicked 5.2 in the final quarter, including a scissor kick goal in the square.
“Once they hit the front they were really good,” he said.
“He [Saad] was super. We’ve been really good defending him in the last four to five times we’ve played them.
“His class really showed us up in the last quarter.”
Dyson said Matt Dennis, Dale Marshall, Gary Moorcroft, Kain Proctor and Peter Hood were their best.
He said in the end, the mountain of work they did to come from second bottom to fourth had taken its toll.
Dyson was proud with their ability not to give up. “Considering our start, it’s not a bad finish to the season.
“We have really high expectations of ourselves, the players, coaching staff and football club. Fourth isn’t where we want Bundoora Football Club to be.
“We want to be finishing in the top three, crack at a double chance. We didn’t do that so we probably underachieved.
“But looking at where we did start, I’m really proud.”
Dyson said it hadn’t all been negative this year, with the club showing the depth they have.
More than 40 players played seniors, including several under-19 players who really fought for their spots.
