Kris Barlow returned from injury as Noble Park claimed a famous victory over his old side Vermont on Saturday. 19159 Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Paul Pickering
IT took the toughest assignment in the Eastern Football League to shake Noble Park from its mid-season slumber, but the Division One giant has now awoken.
The Bulls surged to a five-goal first-quarter lead over the reigning premiers at Vermont on Saturday, before withstanding the Eagles’ inevitable rally to win by seven points.
After three losses in the previous four games, Saturday’s result signalled a welcome return to form and kept the Bulls within reach of a top-two finish.
More than that, it was the return to a familiar brand of uncompromising team football that had Noble Park sitting atop the league after eight rounds.
Bolstered by the return of playing coach Kris Barlow (knee) and key defender Adrian Little (calf), the Bulls capitalised on the advantage of a stiff breeze to open up a 28-point margin at the first break.
It was a ferocious start from the Bulls, typified by midfielders Robbie Ferraro, Daniel Norman and Peter O’Brien.
Ferraro, playing just his second senior game since returning from a hamstring injury, was peerless in his attack on the ball in close.
His single-minded approach seemed to inspire those around him, including Norman, who ignited his team-mates by storming through the corridor and slotting a classic wingman’s goal approaching quarter-time.
But it came as no surprise that Vermont hit back in the second term.
Nor was it surprising that skipper Ryan Mullett and spearhead Matt Greig (five goals) would lead the charge.
Mullett escaped some heavy attention from the likes of Noble Park stopper Nick Williams to assert his influence through the midfield, while Greig’s freakish talents were on full display in a second-quarter purple patch.
Vermont hit the lead when Greig registered his fifth goal – from a trademark hanger – minutes before half-time, but Stewart Kemperman (two goals) answered to reclaim a one-point advantage for his side at the siren.
In a dramatic and fluctuating second half, it was Noble Park forward Dave Velardo (three) who would put the finishing touches on the victory.
When the Eagles opened up a seven-point lead early in the fourth term, it was Velardo who marked and goaled to steady the Bulls.
Velardo then hit O’Brien for Noble Park’s next major, before Kemperman iced a famous victory with his third goal.
For Barlow, it was a reminder of just how good – and how gutsy – his group could be.
“I thought we were terrific,” he said.
“Vermont’s a quality side, we knew they would come back (after quarter-time) and that’s what they did.
“There were times in the game that we could have quite easily let it slip, but we were able to wrestle back the momentum and I thought our last 20 minutes was outstanding.”
It was Noble Park’s second triumph over the Eagles this season, following a dour win at the Bullring in May.
The result leaves Balwyn (11 wins, two losses) sitting atop the division after nine consecutive victories, with Vermont (10-3) and Noble Park (9-4) close behind.
The Bulls will host eighth-placed Croydon (5-8) this Saturday.
