Northcote Park snap a six-game losing streak with crucial win over finals rivals Bundoora

Like Lazarus, Northcote Park brushed off a lengthy injury list to rise from the canvas and secure a crucial victory over finals rivals Bundoora and move back into the NFL Division 1 top-five.

Brock McLennan in action for Northcote Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Seemingly on the brink of disaster, Northcote Park produced arguably its finest win of the season on Saturday.

Having lost six straight games and star forwards Jackson Starcevich and Ash Close to injury the previous week, the Cougars stunned Bundoora by 19 points at Yulong Reserve.

The 9.6 (60) to 5.11 (41) win lifts Northcote Park back into the NFL Division 1 top five, equal on points with the Bulls.

Close has been ruled out for the season after ripping his hamstring tendon off the bone in the loss to West Preston-Lakeside.

But the news is better for Starcevich, who could be back in four weeks as he recovers from a bulging disk in his back.

Northcote Park coach Matt McLennan. Picture: Josie Hayden

After a difficult run, Cougars coach Matt McLennan couldn’t have been more proud of his players.

“I was just happy for the boys, it takes a bit of pressure off them,” McLennan said.

“As we say in boxing, ‘you can put your gloves up or try and swing your way out of it’ … it was a line in the sand moment.

“Mentally there was a (defensive) shift during the week. Credit to (assistant coach) Greg Whitcroft, who had a lot of input this week.”

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Northcote Park started strongly, leading by five points at quarter-time, and extended its advantage at every break.

After sitting out the second half against the Roosters with a hamstring issue, Lachie Boscarini was outstanding in the win.

Ben Augustus and Matthew George excelled, while makeshift forward Jake Mills kicked four goals on his return from a six-week suspension.

“We think Paul Dirago’s the best centre half-back in the comp and with Bundoora having a smaller forward line, we didn’t need the extra tall, and we’re short on forwards,” McLennan said.

Brock McLennan in action for Northcote Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

“He (Mills) is a dynamic player — explosive pace, very strong, a big fella — and we thought he could jag a few goals, which he did.”

The Cougars return to Bill Lawry Oval this weekend to host Montmorency, the Magpies having claimed a 53-point win in Round 6.

While Northcote Park is not out of the woods yet, McLennan still believes his team is a finals contender.

“We’ve been licking our wounds,” he said.

“Two weeks ago we couldn’t field a reserves team … as a club we’re under no illusions of the work we’ve got to do but that win just makes it worth it.

“We still see ourselves as finals contenders if we can get everyone on the park.

“Montmorency, coaching wise, was my most disappointing game this year.

“Our focus this week is to avenge that and then we look at Lower, and if we can win that all of a sudden we’ve won three in a row.”

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