Bulls charge towards top

By Glen Atwell
THE Noble Park Bulls reaffirmed their status as serious Eastern Football League premiership contenders with a commanding 48-point victory over Donvale.
It was second versus third on the Division One ladder and few expected the Bulls to charge towards such an easy victory.
Only one goal separated the sides at both quarter-time and half-time, before the Bulls booted nine goals to the Magpies’ three in the second half.
Bulls playing coach Shane Burgmann said it was a pleasing result.
“We probably played over them all day. We missed a few goals in the first half which didn’t help.
“But the end result was pleasing,” he said.
Brent Williams was inspirational for the Bulls with seven goals.
Williams has booted 20 goals in the last three matches and may just be the key ingredient in the Bulls’ bid for the premiership.
Burgmann said Williams had hit top form.
“In the first half of the season he was probably kicking more behinds than goals.
“But the last few weeks has been great, he isn’t missing them,” Burgmann said.
Adrian Little was a crucial ball-winner for the Bulls and continually fed the ball into the forward line during his best-on-ground performance.
With the home-and-away season completed, the Bulls finished with 15 wins from 18 games and in second position, two games behind ladder leader Vermont Eagles.
Burgmann said earning the double chance was a great reward.
“We worked hard for it. It means a lot to the boys and, if we were to slip up, we’ve got the extra opportunity,” Burgmann said.
Donvale remained in third position with 12 wins and East Burwood beat East Ringwood on Saturday to slip into the top four after 11 wins.
Both the Bulls and the Eagles enjoy a week’s rest before the clash at Bayswater Oval on 3 September.
“It will be good to have a week’s rest from the regular crash and bash we go through on Saturday,” Burgmann said.
The Bulls beat the Eagles by 32 points in their round 10 encounter, but Burgmann said Vermont would be better this time around.
“They were missing three prime players last time, so it should be a different story,” he said.
If last week’s form is anything to go by, Donvale should account for East Burwood, but must improve dramatically to challenge either the Vermont or Noble Park sides.