Heidelberg hands Bundoora second straight loss in grand final rematch

More than 20 new faces took the field but the result remained the same as Heidelberg triumphed over Bundoora in the NFNL Division 1 grand final rematch.

Kai Kearns celebrates a goal for Heidelberg. Picture: Hamish Blair

It was the NFNL Division 1 grand final rematch in name only but Heidelberg again came out on top against Bundoora.

The Tigers stormed home to claim a 19-point victory at Yulong Reserve, handing the Bulls a second straight loss.

While it was the first meeting since last year’s grand final, more than 20 different players took the field.

Heidelberg had 10 new faces and Bundoora 13 but the Tigers retained their heavyweight title with a 9.8 (62) to 6.7 (43) victory.

Trailing by five points at the final change the reigning premier slammed on five goals to one in a decisive fourth quarter.

Sam Gilmore wins the tap for Heidelberg. Picture: Hamish Blair

Tigers coach Vinny Dattoli revealed the club’s preparations had been hampered during the week.

“It was extremely pleasing, we had a handful of interruptions with illness this week,” Dattoli said.

“Bundoora were very good so I was really pleased with our defensive effort in a low-scoring game.

“We didn’t kick a goal in the third quarter, so we’ll have to have a look at what happened there.

“We probably didn’t take enough risks, we controlled the ball in the back half but didn’t take ground, so that was something we addressed at three-quarter-time.”

“Whenever your preparations aren’t as good as they can be it can impact you during the game but is was just another challenge for our club.

The two teams were rarely separated by more than a kick in the opening three quarters.

Bundoora held a one-point advantage at quarter-time before Heidelberg took a seven-point advantage into half-time.

Brayden Sier celebrates a goal for Heidelberg. Picture: Hamish Blair

Just nine goals were kicked in the first three quarters before the Tigers found another gear with a five-goal finish.

Box Hill VFL-listed forward Jed Rule and Dylan Clarke both kicked two goals, Clarke booting the first and last goals of the game.

Brodie Tardio continued his outstanding start to the season, while Lachie Wilson, Sean Martin and Keenan Posar were also impressive.

Dattoli was especially pleased with his younger, inexperienced players impact.

“Our depth is being given an opportunity and to their credit they’re cashing in,” he said.

“There’s no fun at selection on Thursday night, let me tell you, there’s so much pressure from guys underneath.

“Jesse Gedi has been terrific in all five games and is in no hurry to go out of the side.

“Internally we’re really happy, the fact Matty Smith hasn’t played a game and our midfield has a bit of a different look. For us, that’s very pleasing.

“I’m sure he’s itching to play but he’s doing a great job in his assistant coaching role, the guys in the team are getting a lot out of it, so he’s just contributing in a different way.”

Hamish Sheppard was Bundoora’s best in defeat, while Kain Proctor, Isaac McMillan and Luke Collins were also solid.

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The result moves Heidelberg half-a-game clear on top of the ladder, while Bundoora slips to a 3-2 record and sits fourth.

The Tigers will host Hurstbridge on Saturday, while the Bulls will look to bounce back at home against Greensborough.

In other results, Hurstbridge and Montmorency played out a thrilling draw and Greensborough edged Banyule by just five points in another tense finish.

At DeWinton Park, Michael Hurley kicked seven goals in Macleod’s 122-point demolition of Whittlesea, while Majak Daw and Brock Chircop also booted seven majors in North Heidelberg’s 105-point thrashing of West Preston-Lakeside.