Left: David Velardo dives for the ball in an effort to keep the Bulls in the grand final on the weekend.By Marc McGowan
MINOR premier Noble Park Bulls went down by 31 points to Eastern Football League rival Vermont in the Division One decider at Bayswater Oval on Saturday, failing to add to its 2003 and 2004 premierships under former coach Denis Knight’s tutelage.
The Bulls entered the grand final having lost its past two encounters to Vermont, the most recent of which came in the second semi-final two weeks ago, after emerging victorious in their opening clash this season.
They finished on top of the ladder after the home-and-away season, courtesy of 17 wins and just one loss in round 16 against the Eagles.
Despite the 36-point defeat in the second semi-final, Noble Park gave a strong account of itself and was confident of turning the tables in the grand final.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, they were not able to make the most of having the wind at their backs in the opening term and found themselves eight points in arrears at quarter-time.
Vermont began to dominate proceedings in the second period, but errant goalkicking restricted its half-time lead to 21 points.
As is its nature, Noble Park continued to fight and trimmed the lead back to 14 points by kicking three goals to two in the premiership quarter.
Victory in the term did not live up to its billing, though, as the Eagles ramped up their play and banged on five goals to three in the final quarter to defend their 2005 title, after the Bulls had cut the margin to nine points midway through the term.
Noble Park playing coach Shane Burgmann, one of the Bulls’ best players, described the loss as very disappointing and one that had got away from them.
“We took a step forward, but we just couldn’t get the final success,” he said.
The former Melbourne player felt that Bayswater Oval suited the opposition and the blustery conditions played further into Vermont’s hands.
“They were pretty tough conditions; it wasn’t really a downfield wind, they were swirly conditions,” he said.
Eagles ruckman Brad Hall took out the Cliff Tomkins Medal as the best player for his excellent work around the ground.
He was ably supported by century goalkicker Matt Greig’s four goals. He is the son of former 300-game Kangaroo and dual-Brownlow winner, Keith.
Burgmann was gracious in defeat and highlighted Hall’s game.
“He (Hall) played a really good game,” he said.
“They were a lot better across the board over the day.”
Craig Anderson and Nathan Tiberi held the fort for the Bulls and David Velardo slotted three majors to be their leading goalkicker on the day.
Burgmann has been reappointed for next season and is looking forward to the challenge.
“We need to improve in all areas,” he said.
“We need to maintain the list and get some on-ball help and another target up forward to lighten the load for the other guys would be good.”
