Bundoora claims first NFNL Division 1 win of the season, Peter McEvoy boots six goals
Old Coburg teammates Peter McEvoy and Nelson Lane combined to help Bundoora claim its first win of the NFNL Division 1 season on Saturday.
Northern
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The monkey is off the back at Bundoora.
The Bulls broke through for their first NFNL Division 1 win of 2024 with a dominant 37-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside at Moore Park.
Last year’s grand finalists have endured a tough start to the campaign but reminded the competition what they’re capable of on Saturday, holding the Roosters to just two goals in three quarters.
Former Coburg VFL captain Peter McEvoy starred with six goals, while old Tigers teammate Nelson Lane was prolific in the 12.9 (81) to 5.14 (44) triumph.
The win retained the Scott Pywell Cup and was a first win for Bundoora coach Heath Scotland.
“It was a nice relief to get the W and just relieve a bit of pressure,” Scotland said.
“Not pressure but just have the club relax a bit, we were feeling the pinch a bit from not having a win in the first five games.
“There’s been patches of games that have been really positive and (Saturday) was a real snapshot for the guys to see what our game looks like consistently.
“We’ve got Banyule this week, which will be a tough one, and then Macleod and Eltham so we’ve got an opportunity to string some wins together and build momentum.”
Bundoora held West Preston-Lakeside goalless in the first quarter to take a 13-point lead at quarter-time.
The Bulls clicked into top gear in the second term, pouring in five goals to one to set up a 40-point advantage at half-time.
The visitors kept the momentum rolling in the third with another four goals to one to all but put the game to bed, 56 points up at the last change.
West Preston-Lakeside finished strongly, albeit inaccurately, kicking 3.8 in the fourth quarter to add some respectability to the scoreboard.
“The last quarter was disappointing to let them have 11 scoring shots but the sting was out,” Scotland said.
“The first three quarters, our pressure around the contest was far better, our defensive positioning across the board was better and just cleaner with our ball movement.
“We’ve been scored against heavily from turnover, simple skill errors and decisions, so we were a lot cleaner and made good decisions with ball in hand.”
McEvoy booted a season-high six majors, while Lane added two, in superb performances.
Lachie East, Liam Mallia and Harry Butterworth also impressed in the win.
Scotland was particularly happy with the development of his young players as the club looks to rebuild on the fly this season.
“Pete is a warrior, you know what you’re going to get out of him every week and I wish I had three of him,” Scotland said.
“It was great for him to hit the scoreboard and his ability to half a contest or win a contested mark, he never gets beaten, so we have a lot of confidence kicking to him.
“Nelson is building every week, his run off the week defensively and pushing forward to hit the scoreboard was excellent.
“Brandon Compt, I’ve been really happy with what he’s been able to do off half-back and Harry Butterworth has been excellent, he’s improving week-in, week-out.
“We’re getting games into Hayden Bolzon and we had two young blokes Seb Chesser and Will Reddrop debut, so it’s great for the footy club.
“Mitch Antonello stepped up against a quality ruckman and I felt won that battle and Liam Mallia in the midfield, he had a big job against (Max) Dreher and has been fantastic.”
Scotland hopes to have captain Luke Collins, Jackson Davies, Jack Maruff, Jesse King and Zane Barker all back for Banyule.
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For West Preston-Lakeside Chris Ryall was best afield, while Alek D’Arro, Matt Belbasis and Tom McMahon stood tall.
The Roosters face the difficult task of stopping Heidelberg next week.
Elsewhere, the Tigers made it 25 wins on the trot with a 30-point win over Greensborough, while Hurstbridge put Macleod to the sword in a 106 demolition.
Debuting VFL gun Callum Brown, Montmorency defeated North Heidelberg by 38 points and Banyule edged Eltham by 25.
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