VAFA 2019: Preston Bullants claim close win over Therry Penola

Preston Bullants extended their winning run to seven games with a come-from-behind VAFA Division 1 triumph on Saturday.

Jack Sammartino helped himself to five goals for Preston Bullants. Picture: Mark Dadswell

A red hot Preston Bullants are gunning for VAFA Division 1 ladder-leader UHS-VU this weekend after a stirring final-quarter performance kept their undefeated streak running.

The Bullants piled on five goals to two in the last 30 minutes to record a come-from-behind away victory against Therry Penola, 11.10 (76) to 8.13 (61).

It marked the club’s seventh straight win, with its Round 11 fixture against Kew washed out.

Coach George Wakim rated the first quarter as his team’s best for the day, but it was unable to put its chances away.

The slender lead was whittled away until the home side led by four points at the last change, before Preston came flying home.

“We got back to what worked for us, feeling good and moving the ball quickly,” Wakim said.

The coach said the support the Bullants received at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve played a part in their surge.

“We got a sniff, some momentum … and the club supporters made a bit of noise and the boys fed off it,” Wakim said.

Strong inside midfielder Jay Phelan impressed, along with Jordan Hull, Tom Hill and “usual culprits” the Calcedo brothers, Sean and Dean. Gerard, Darcy and Liam Sutton were other contributors, while Jack Sammartino finished with a five-goal haul.

Wakim said Preston’s form left it primed for the coming matches before finals.

“The pleasing thing about it is we play the sides around us, but if we knock them off, it gives us some breathing space,” he said.

“It means that if we can get through to finals … we can do a bit of damage at the pointy end of the season.”

Wakim said the Bullants had been fortunate with injuries, but was buoyed by players at reserves and under-19 level who were “kicking at the door” to get into the senior team, nominating Rory Howard, Michael Fogale, Jackson Curic and Robert Cossens as the leading contenders.

“They are waiting to get their opportunity and I’m confident that when they get that chance, they will take it,” he said.

“We are in a pretty good position — it’s up to us.”

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