Bulls lock horns with Rams

By Paul Pickering
NOBLE Park’s precession towards the Eastern Football League finals continued on Saturday as the Bulls systematically dismantled East Burwood to cap a perfect July.
The 107-point victory was Noble Park’s fourth consecutive margin of more than 10 goals, with the Bulls outscoring their July opponents by a total of 328 points.
Saturday’s result was little more than a formality after Noble Park produced a seven-goal-to-one first quarter.
All that was left for the Bulls was to sharpen their horns on the lowly Rams in anticipation of a prime time bout with Lilydale this week.
David Velardo was the headline act up forward for the Bulls, bagging seven goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Daniel Kennedy has been a revelation in attack during July and was again lively, chipping in with five majors of his own.
While Luke McConnell and Rob Ferraro starred once more, it was the improved performances of some emerging Bulls that was most pleasing for coach Shane Burgmann.
Steve Fouracre played his best game since joining Noble Park from Albury this year.
Burgmann said the inside midfielder has begun to find his feet at The Bullring.
“He took a little while to get used to the level of footy, but once he got his chance he’s really run with it,” Burgmann said.
Young bull George Angelopoulos also played his best game since being promoted from the under 18s against Vermont four weeks ago.
Defender Daniel Rigg was sturdy for the Bulls, while Craig Anderson, Luke McConnell and Rob Ferraro provided plenty of polish.
Jason Cook was the only Ram who looked likely to threaten the Noble Park defence, booting five of his side’s 10 goals.
Having finished with an 11-goal flurry in the final term, Burgmann’s Bulls will take a lot of momentum into this Saturday’s night match against Lilydale.
The in-form Falcons will be red hot on the back of a 183-point drubbing of Ringwood.
“We’re coming to the business end of the season and they’re really biting at our heels in fifth place,” Burgmann said. “So it’s a crucial game.”
The 7pm match will ensure a bumper crowd at The Bullring.