19s
Coming into the game the Northcote under 19s were three positions below the second placed Bundoora, and before Northcote even managed the register a score, they found themselves just as many goals down inside the first 12 minutes of the game. Cam Simpson had a huge first quarter at half back but it wasn’t enough to slow Bundoora’s inexorable march to quarter time as 4.4 to 0.1 leaders.
Bundoora quickly kicked the first in the second quarter as things began to go pear shaped before Sam Billinge’s snap from the pocket proved to be the catalyst for a string of goals in an inspired second quarter effort. Goals to Tyson Old, Janus Waldron, another from Sam, and Billyjack with just 20 seconds to go in the half, as well as a lift from Brandon Brown saw the difference cut to just three points at half time.
An even third quarter in which Tys seriously imprinted his dominant stamp on the game and Tom Robinson put his body on the line for a desperate goal saving smother, set the game up for a big finish. Brandon responded to Bundoora’s quick goal with a mammoth kick from outside 50 which cut the margin to nine. As rain began to fall for the first of many times for the day, Northcote found another goal from outside 50, this time through Liam Waldron. But at the 26 minute mark, Bundoora’s Mark Pavlovski extended the lead from three to nine and sealed the game for the hosts.
Tys and Simmo were dominant all day and Alistair Punshon battled hard in the ruck.
The 19s now move to 2-4.
Reserves
Off the back of a comfortable win last week, the reserves were full of confidence going into the game until Bundoora controlled much of the first term. Thomas Jackson kicked Northcote’s only major for the term while Steve Hanning was a standout early.
The mood was positive at quarter time despite a one goal deficit. Missed opportunities in front of goal, poor decision making and a 50m penalty placed enormous pressure on Northcote’s back six as Bundoora took advantage of costly errors to pile on four goals to one in a poor second quarter
Northcote could only manage three shots at goal in the third quarter as the Bulls threatened to stretch their lead out to an insurmountable advantage, but inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Cougars in with a sniff going into the last. Brian Allen’s goal from the boundary line had to be seen to be believed and had Northcote within striking distance. The difference could have been cut further if Josh Whelan converted a set shot after the siren but his behind had it at 24 points.
Fear creeped into the heads of the Bulls as Northcote drew closer. With time against the Cougars, Robbie Chadwick kicked a late goal to keep the game alive. The Bulls could have put the game beyond doubt but missed in front of goals twice. A 100m penalty brought Jacko within range to kick his fourth goal and a good kick had Northcote within three.
In the end time ran out and Northcote fell three points short.
Daniel Chadwick and Lucci Cornelius were impressive all day. Matty gave Riad a huge rap for his second half and Jordy Welch played put in a good performance.
Seniors
Needing a win to stay in touch with the top few sides in the competition, Bronik Davies’ delivery to Koden Colmen early could have given Northcote a dream start against second placed Bundoora. Kodes’ miss proved costly when Bundoora took it straight down the other end and kicked the first major just three minutes into the game. After Mannon Johnston provided Northcote’s first goal five minutes later, Bundoora kicked a couple before butchering a chance from less than 10 metres out to push the quarter time lead out to almost three goals. Loky Boscarini was instrumental at half back early.
Bundoora began to control the ruck and time in forward half during the second quarter but again two missed set shots kept Northcote in their hip pocket. Bosca was significant in Northcote’s ability to wrestle back the control of the game but poor execution in the forward half cost the Cougars and suddenly were trailing by four goals at half time. Coach Harmit Singh praised the boys’ effort but his frustration at their inability to reward themselves was obvious.
Turnovers forward of centre continued to hurt Northcote in the third as they conceded another goal off a turnover just four minutes in. Nothing seemed to be going right when even after efficient forward 50 entries Northcote was inaccurate in front of goal. After peppering the goals Aaron Shaw finally kicked truly before a 50m penalty helped Northcote cut the lead to 17 points with another major. Even the reappearance of rain was no excuse for Bundoora’s terrible miss straight in front but given almost the identical set shot just minutes later in the now heavy rain Bundoora sent Northcote 23 points adrift.
With the rain clearing and the margin at 17 points the game was still well and truly up for grabs going into the last quarter. Aaron Di Matteo’s class and Jordan Perry’s contested work inside were a major contributor to the team’s ability to win the majority of contested ball but poor ball use going forward of centre hurt the Cougars all day. Bronik found space where there wasn’t any and broke the 10 minute deadlock of the last quarter to bring his side within 11 points. Bryn Barnes-Webb was good as the backline absorbed the Bundoora pressure. Courageous ball movement, which started from Azza’s elite ball use, saw Nik McNiece get on the end of it and bring the game within a kick. With the match hanging on a knife’s edge it was Bundoora who stood up and ran away eventual 18 point winners.
Jules was good in the air all day to continue his stellar season while Bronik, Jordy and Joel were all strong in the middle of the ground.
The cougars will have Greensborough next week when they attempt to get their fourth win.