By ROY WARD
NOBLE Park faces a mid-season test of its top-three chances when it faces Norwood at Pat Wright Senior Oval in the Eastern Football League division 1 competition this Saturday.
The Bulls tuned up for the match with a 46-point win over Knox Falcons on Saturday on the back of a 10-goal-to-five second half.
The Bulls have won two matches straight and sit in fourth position while the Norsemen, under former Noble Park coach Denis Knight, have lost only to Vermont in their opening six matches.
Bulls coach Mick Fogarty says his side knows a top-three finish is important, hence the need to beat leading sides.
“It’s two teams trying to lock up a top-three spot and it should be a really good game,” Fogarty said. “It will also be a chance for us to see where we are at.”
The Bulls have looked excellent at times this season but have struggled with turnovers as several new players adjust to their roles while others return from injury and travel.
But over the past two weeks the Bulls have shown improvement. Playing error-free football against the Norsemen will show the Bulls have truly corrected their problems.
“We are still making some basic errors that are letting opponents kick goals,” Fogarty said.
“But we have a group that has a few new players in it and it’s really a matter of time and letting them gel as a team.”
Fogarty said he was happy with his side’s second half against Knox although the Bulls struggled to beat the defensive set-up of the Falcons in the first half.
“Now the challenge is to try and put together a four-quarter performance — we will need to do that against Norwood.”
Bulls midfielder Trent Robertson continued his return to form with a best-on-ground performance against Knox and Stewart Kemperman was again prominent. Shayne Allan kicked three goals for the Bulls.
“Trent has been terrific after coming back into the side,” Fogarty said.
“He started the season in the twos but has played three games in the seniors now. I have never seen in him in such good form.
“Kemperman was again one of our best and Luke Smith did a job for us on Luke Williams, who carved us up in the first half.
The only concern for the Bulls is the fitness of ruckman Dean Cleven, who hurt his ankle against the Falcons.
But with Vergim Faik and Stuart Cleeve in the reserves, Fogarty has plenty of cover should the former Casey Scorpions ruckman be unavailable to face the Norsemen.
Strong midfielder Nick Williams played his second game in the reserves after an overseas trip and he may end up in the senior side this Saturday.
EFL division 1 ladder:
Balwyn 24 points, 175.26 per cent; Norwood 20, 142.49; Vermont 16, 147.15; Noble Park 16, 145.68; Lilydale 12, 106.74; Knox 12, 89.62; Blackburn 12, 77.73; East Ringwood 8, 99.24; Rowville 8, 88.20; South Croydon 8, 72.02; Scoresby 8, 62.84; East Burwood 0, 57.19.
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