Bundoora storms into NFL Division 1 grand final, eliminating Montmorency
It’s the sequel we’ve been waiting for, Bundoora will face Heidelberg in the NFL Division 1 grand final after knocking off Montmorency.
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Get ready for Heidelberg-Bundoora II in the NFL Division 1 grand final.
We will get a sequel to last week’s extra-time semi-final epic after the Bulls disposed of Montmorency by 45 points in Sunday’s preliminary final.
Bundoora limited the Magpies to just four goals for the game, keeping their arch-rival goalless in the first and fourth quarters in a disciplined defensive display.
The Bulls showed no signs of fatigue after the draining semi-final loss, running out comfortable 10.16 (76) to 4.7 (31) victors.
Coach Michael Ryan said the club had a not-so-secret weapon.
“We were very confident going in, we knew we’d been in good form even though the Heidelberg result didn’t go our way but the last three weeks we were in strong form,” he said.
“There was definitely that fatigue after the Heidelberg game but we’re fortunate to have David Buttifant in our camp.
“Butters has been there, especially with Collingwood after the 2010 Grand Final, so he was a real good sounding board early on in the week and helped set the boys up to prepare for Sunday.”
The win books Bundoora its first grand final appearance since 2017 and eighth trip to the big dance since 2000.
It will be the sixth time Bundoora and Heidelbeg have met in the grand final since the turn of the millennium, joining 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011.
The Bulls started strongly but were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking 5.7 to half-time, for a 22-point lead.
It was 30 points at three-quarter-time and, unlike the qualifying final a fortnight ago, there would be no Montmorency comeback.
The Magpies could only muster two behinds in the final term.
Sam Lloyd, Danny Younan and Ryan Sturgess all kicked two goals for the Bulls, while Patrick Fitzgerald booted a pair for Montmorency.
Brendan Carlyon earned best-on-ground honours for his shutdown role on Magpies’ ball-winner Marcus Lentini, while ex-AFL star Neville Jetta marshalled the Bulls’ defence.
Hamish Shepheard took the points in the much-anticipated ruck duel with Liam Buxton, consistently giving his midfielders first use.
“Brendo was awesome, he had a role to play and played it beautifully,” Ryan said.
“He was hard and tough and equalised some really critical one-on-ones for us, he’s played in three premierships, more than 200 games and won a best-and-fairest so he’s pretty experienced and that shone through.
“We knew how important Marcus was for Montmorency at the stoppages, he was brilliant against us last time, so we wanted to quell his influence on the game.
“I thought Hamish was brilliant for us, he gave our mids first use with his tap work but also his follow up work and ability to win clearances was pivotal.
“He’s 6’7 and as agile as he is, he’s essentially a fourth onballer when the ball hits the ground.”
Jai Robinson was Montmorency’s best in defeat, while Brock and Sam Binion and Jesse Donaldson also stood tall.
It’s the Magpies best finish since making the 2013 grand final.
Bundoora will head into Saturday’s grand final at Preston City Oval confident it can turn the tables on Heidelberg.
Having won the preliminary final, the Bulls will have history on their side with the last eight premiers – and nine of the past 10 – having played the week before.
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Only Bundoora in 2011 has been able to enjoy the week off and lift the premiership cup the following week in that time.
Ryan said he wasn’t superstitious but was looking forward to a good game.
“It’s going to be a really good game, Heidelberg has been the form team all year but we know we’ve done the work and prepared as what we can be,” he said.
“Both teams, we saw a fortnight ago how hard we both played and what a good game it was, and we can expect the same this weekend.”
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