Bundoora denies Montmorency comeback to earn shot at Heidelberg
It was very nearly the reverse of the 2013 grand final but unlike that famous match, Bundoora denied Montmorency’s comeback to claim a thrilling win.
Northern
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Bundoora survived a mighty Montmorency comeback on Saturday to book a semi-final date with Heidelberg.
In a reversal of the famous 2013 grand final, the Bulls powered out to a 37-point lead in the third quarter before the Magpies stormed back into the match.
Montmorency were within two points with five minutes to play in the NFL Division 1 qualifying final at Preston City Oval.
However, unlike 2013, Bundoora held its nerve and Kain Proctor kicked the sealer to secure a nail-biting nine-point win, 11.3 (69) to 9.6 (60).
Bulls coach Michael Ryan admitted his team had gone to sleep but was pleased with the ability to wrest back momentum and close out the game.
“Full credit to Montmorency to come back like they did and get within two points, so we’re very happy with our ability to find a way to win,” he said.
“They got a bit of momentum – we went to sleep – for 10 minute patch and they were able to hit the scoreboard consistently.
“There’s a strong belief in the group, we’ve found a way to win in plenty of tight spaces this year.
“It holds us in good stead moving forward, we’ve trained for these sort of scenarios quite a bit and we executed really well.
“That last five minutes, our ability to control the tempo of the game was a credit to the leaders and the boys for the work they do at training.”
Bundoora held Montmorency goalless in the first quarter to open up a 12-point lead and extended its advantage to 19 points at half-time.
The game looked all but over as the Bulls took control in the third term only for the Magpies to kick five quick goals to narrow the margin to 11 at the final change.
The game was in the balance when the margin was cut to two points but Montmorency couldn’t find the goal to hit the lead, instead kicking 1.3, as the Bulls held on.
Ryan rated ruckman Hamish Shepheard as the difference.
With Montmorency missing its dominant big man Liam Wale-Buxton through suspension, Shepheard was able to stamp his authority on the game.
The Magpies turned to Connor Dalgleish in the middle, who performed admirably against a more experienced opponent.
Shepheard’s influence at the contest and around the ground was a key reason behind Bundoora’s early dominance.
“I thought we got on top on ball, centre clearances are probably the most important stat in football,” Ryan said.
“Montmorency were getting on top early on around the clearances, and post clearance as well, but in that third quarter we were able to get on top and generate some momentum inside 50m.
“Hamish was huge today … Kain (Proctor) played a real leaders game, we were obviously missing Luke Collins, and he stepped up and filled that void – I thought he was sensational – and Ryan Sturgess across half-back.”
John Jorgensen and Danny Younan booted three goals for Bundoora, while at the other end Division 1 goalkicking award-winner Patrick Fitzgerald kicked five majors.
Returning from VFL duty, Marcus Lentini was his usual prolific self, while Jesse Thompson, Josh Mills and Dalgleish also impressed.
The result sees Bundoora progress to the major semi-final next Saturday against minor premier Heidelberg.
The Tigers claimed both matches this season, winning by 36 and 30 points.
Ryan said the challenge for his team would be a motivation.
“It’s exciting, Heidelberg has obviously been the form team in the competition across all three grades,” he said.
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“They’ve done a really good job with Danny (Nolan) and Vinny (Datoli) setting up the football program, hence why they’ve only lost one game, but we’re really excited by the challenge.
“I think there’s definitely improvement in our side and I’m sure Heidelberg are thinking the same.”
Bulls co-captain Luke Collins is expected to make an immediate return after serving a two-match suspension.
Montmorency will have to dust themselves off ahead of a sudden-death minor semi-final against the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between West Preston-Lakeside and Greensborough.
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