By ROY WARD
NOBLE Park did it for ‘Scalls’ in a stirring eight-point Eastern Football League division 1 win over rivals Balwyn on Saturday.
But that wasn’t the only motivation for the injury-ridden two-time premiers, who not only saluted for midfielder Brad Scalzo, who suffered a suspected broken ankle 12 minutes into the second term, but also proved they are still the cream of the competition despite injuries or improved opponents.
Scalzo, a former Box Hill VFL player, joined the Bulls during the off-season and had hit top form in the past month as a dashing half-forward and on-baller, but his season ended when he ran full speed into a contest and clashed legs with a Tigers opponent with a sickening “crack” sounding across the ground.
Scalzo lay prone for nearly 10 minutes as play was stopped. Once he was secured and ready to be taken from the field, Bulls forward Shayne Allan led his teammates over to thank their mate for his sacrifice.
He was taken by ambulance to hospital.
It was clear the Bulls would take inspiration from Scalzo’s bravery and they took a slim lead by three-quarter time and then held off the Tigers in the final minutes after Tigers midfielder Charlie Hendrie goaled on 23 minutes to bring his side within five points. A couple of Bulls behinds left them safe.
Allan, who kicked four goals, said the Bulls wanted to make sure their mate knew he wasn’t forgotten.
“We had to go over just to encourage him,” he said. “He put his body on the line for the team. We had to win it for him, we said that then and we said it again at three-quarter time, we did it for Scalls.”
Allan was also awarded the Zaidee’s Rainbow medal as best on ground.
As the Bulls stormed into control of the match in the second half they had many winners with captain Stewart Kemperman, veteran Craig Jacotine, Ziggy Alwan and Jarrod Plymin all making themselves known at the stoppages.
Allan and small forward George Angelopolous proved the finishers kicking some important goals, with Angelopolous snapping a vital goal early in the last term and Allan helping to extend their lead midway through the final quarter with a goal from deep in the left forward pocket.
“When George kicks a goal he is so intense and passionate about Noble Park that you can’t help getting fired up as well,” Allan said.
“Foggers [Fogarty] told us at three-quarter time to make the game a mud fight and keep the ball in tight and we did that.”
On a rain-soaked Balwyn Park, complete with a centre square fit to house pigs, the Bulls celebrated heartily and will now get two weeks rest before their next match.
Fogarty showed plenty of emotion post-game, praising his players’ desire and their ability to withstand the challenges of this season as injuries and travel rob the team of key performers.
“In that third quarter the players did everything we asked of them – they were terrific,” he said. “We get up for this game every year; this group has so much belief and to win like we did today is as good as any win you will see.”
The match was played for the Zaidee’s Rainbow foundation, which advocates for organ and tissue donation.
Allan Turner, whose daughter Zaidee died at seven years old but donated organs which saved four lives, gave the Bulls a touching post-game speech commending their efforts and encouraging all in the room to discuss tissue and organ donation.
The Bulls play Lilydale at Pat Wright Senior Oval on June 23.
