Jacob Townsend boots four goals as Bundoora snatch win over Greensborough

VFL-listed debutants Jacob Townsend and Joel Trudgeon produced moments of brilliance as Bundoora snatches an epic win over Greensborough.

Bundoora snatched a stunning four-point win over Greensborough in an all-time NFL Division 1 epic on Saturday.

Just as the Borough appeared to be running away with victory at War Memorial Reserve, the Bulls produced a clinical comeback.

Trailing by 15 points with 10 minutes remaining, Bundoora debutant Jacob Townsend and Kyle Green inspired a lightning quick four-goal blitz to re-take the lead.

With just 20 seconds left on the clock, Greensborough won a centre clearance for one last shot at victory but John Jorgensen’s intercept mark sealed a 10.6 (66) to 8.14 (62) win for the Bulls.

Bundoora coach Michael Ryan said one crucial factor got his team home.

Bundoora star David Zaharakis. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It was a cracking game of football, it was a genuine heart-stopper, one of the best games of football I’ve been involved in,” he said.

“This group, I’ve never coached a group with as much heart and belief as what we have.

“We have some deficiencies in other areas but belief and heart and the ability to play for one another, no one could question that.”

Ex-AFL star Townsend finished with four goals – two in the first quarter and two in the fourth – in an enthralling battle with Borough backman Nick Riddle.

The Southport VFL-listed gun combined with Danny Younan for four goals in a dominant opening term, handing the Bulls an early 23-point lead.

However, Greensborough took the momentum in the second term, led by its own VFL-listed debutant Joel Trudgeon.

The Carlton ball-winner impressed with his ability to win the ball in tight while also hitting the scoreboard with two goals.

Only Borough’s inaccuracy and a miracle David Zaharakis Goal of the Year contender just before three-quarter-time kept the game alive.

Jackson Bowne in action for Bundoora. Picture: Hamish Blair

When Jordan Smith snapped truly and Trudgeon goalled from a 50m penalty early in the last term, the game looked over.

Enter Green.

A blind snap on goal sailed through and changed the game before two Townsend goals inside a minute and a Sam Lloyd major gave the Bulls the lead.

“He was a ripper, Towner, the impact he had in the first quarter and then his composure in the last 15 minutes to be able to kick two late goals,” Ryan said.

“It was a privilege to have him play with us today and we look forward to getting him again in a few weeks time.

“Our first quarter was sensational, we kicked 4.3 and moved the ball the way we wanted, but we knew Borough were going to come.

“Full credit to them they got on top in the midfield and we were a little bit fortunate they weren’t as efficient in front of goal as what they could have been.

“Kyle Green, I thought stood up against the tide, he kicked a great goal and we were able to pony off the back of that and kick multiple goals.”

Jesse King impressed with his lead-up work, earning high praise from his coach, while Jackson Davies and Kain Proctor were also critical.

Trudgeon was Greensborough’s beat, along with Angus Seivers, Tristan Stead and Ben Pannam.

The win takes Bundoora to a 7-2 record, sitting third on percentage, ahead of the Queen’s Birthday break, while Borough remains fourth at 4-4.

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The Bulls host West Preston-Lakeside at Yulong Reserve when they return to action on June 18.

“To be able to go into the break 7-2 gives us a lot of confidence heading into the second half of the season,” Ryan said.

“It puts us in a good space but the competition is so close one to 10 can beat anybody on the day.”

Greensborough lost Matt Haynes in the first quarter to a hamstring injury and will return to action against Hurstbridge in a fortnight.