VAFA 2021: Bulleen Templestowe ‘far from a spent force’, president says following spirited return

Bulleen Templestowe says it’s ‘far from a spent force’ as it rallied to take the field again, in what meant more than just four points.

The proud Bullants rallied to field senior and reserve sides again on Saturday. Pictured is the reserves. Picture: Bulleen Templestowe FC

It almost pulled off a fairy tale result.

VAFA Division 2 outfit Bulleen Templestowe returned to action on Saturday after a crippling injury list forced the proud club to forfeit its senior and reserve matches for the first time in its illustrious history the week prior.

The Bullants took on sixth-placed Aquinas away, coming agonisingly close to snaring their first senior victory of the season.

After leading narrowly at quarter time and half-time, the hosts regained the ascendancy to lead by a kick at the final change, setting the scene for a seesawing final term.

And in a heart-stopping final few moments, Aquinas snatched the win with about 10 seconds to play, edging the underdogs by two points, 10.14 (74) to 10.12 (72). The last time the pair faced off in Round 2, Aquinas romped home by a whopping 158 points.

The Bullants debrief after coming agonisingly close to pulling off an almighty upset. Picture: Bulleen Templestowe FC

While Bulleen Templestowe president Russell Wallis described the weekend’s loss as “heartbreaking”, Saturday meant more than just the four points to him and his club.

“There was a lot of emotion around the day – to lose the game with effectively 10 seconds on the clock after they (Aquinas) had just scored a goal, it was heartbreaking, but everyone in the team really did us proud,” Wallis said.

“It was more important for us as a club and a playing group to get teams back out on the park and to show people that while we’re going through some tough times with injury and player availability, we’re far from a spent force.

“I think that the way the guys went out there and fought it out in both teams was a credit … it was a real testament to the spirit and the effort that the players put in.”

The Bullants’ reserves faced a tough day at the office, but club stalwart and games record-holder Andy Parris finished with a goal as he pulled on the boots again to help his beloved club.

What local footy is all about: club legend Andy Parris pulled the boots on again to help the reserves field a side. Picture: Bulleen Templestowe FC

“He’s mid-50s, played 500 games and it’s a little while since he played his last one,” Wallis said.

“He’s a pretty fit sort of chap, still plays a lot of basketball and he helps out around the club in terms of organising match-day volunteers and that sort of stuff. His son plays in our senior side and his daughter plays in our women’s side.

“When the reserves were short, he decided that he would do what he could to help and pulled on the boots again. He’s an absolute legend.”

Wallis is confident a win isn’t far away for the Bullants, who sit 10th on the senior ladder with a 0-9 record.

“If we can put together performances like the one we did on Saturday, surely it’s just a matter of time before we manage to get the four points,” he said.