By ROY WARD
NOBLE Park had leading players out through injury but that didn’t stop the Bulls claiming a win over East Ringwood at East Ringwood Reserve in the Eastern Football League division 1 on Saturday.
As wind battered the ground, the Bulls managed to hold a 21-point lead at three-quarter time but struggled in the opening minutes of the final term as the Roos kicked two quick goals to get within nine points of a memorable victory.
CLICK HERE for our picture gallery of the big game.
But one error from the Roos led to a Bulls goal, which the visitors followed with three more goals to run out comfortable winners.
The Bulls won 14.15 (99) to the Roos’ 9.11 (65).
Stewart Kemperman, Sam Monaghan, Luke Smith and Tyson Mitchem were instrumental in midfield while teenagers Luke Cody and Chris Horton-Milne were also impressive.
Bulls coach Mick Fogarty said his side had plenty of improvement to come but he also praised his emerging players for lifting when called upon.
“I’m happy with fringe players like Horton-Milne, Smith and our other young guys,” he said.
“Kids like Luke Cody and Aaron Dunne, the more game time they can get, the better off the club is going to be because the growth of those players is where the improvement will come from.”
Fogarty was also happy with how Smith was adapting to the EFL.
“Smith has come across from Seaford where he was runner-up in the league best and fairest so he has a fair reputation,” he said.
“But it’s been a step up for him, now he is starting to find his feet and I’m really happy with the way he played.”
Roos coach Bernie Dinneen said his side had battled hard with three players injured but fell to a better team.
“I thought we pushed it out pretty well, I’m certainly proud of our efforts but our execution at a few key contests really cost us and at some point we will need to take responsibility for that,” Dinneen said.
“Credit to Noble Park, they were the better team on the day.”
Fogarty has also been critical of his team’s attitude towards sides outside the top five, but he doesn’t have that concern heading into the Bulls’ showdown against premiership fancy Vermont this Saturday.
“The boys will be up and about for Vermont, no question about it,” he said.
“Craig Anderson is a massive chance to come back into the side, Shayne Allan is a massive chance as well.”
The Bulls play Vermont at Pat Wright Senior Oval this Saturday at 2.10pm.
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