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font color="#FFFFFF">With recent publicity about the Coburg-Fitzroy team's financial struggles ensuring the Lions would come out with plenty to prove, the task for the Bullants players was to remained focussed on the game at hand despite whatever the Lions were to throw at them in the way of physical aggression. After an inspirational pre-game talk from Gary Sheldon, a former Coburg player and now Bullants reserves/assistant coach, the Bullants got down to the task of ripping apart the Lions. The openeing quarter onslaught including 4 goals from captain Shannon Gibson set up the match, the hapless Lions floundering 8 goals behind into the 2nd quarter. A vocal Coburg-Fitroy crowd provided extra incentive for the Bullants players to lifta notch to "shove it up 'em", the Bullants maintaining their lead into the halftime break and fighting off any rallying by the Lions inthe 3rd. Some spiteful clashes with Lions players targeting small Bullants players like Cann and Mitchell were met with true Bullant team spirit and grit, the young players coming in from all over the field when the Lions sniping tactics turned up a notch. Several reports in the last half for wrestling were recorded, with over ten players from both sides likely to be appearing at the tribunal this week. But once again it was the Bullants whose class, spirit and determination shone through, goals to Grainger keeping the Lions at bay, before Cann and Crowley turned on shows for the crowd after exceptional goals from the boundary sealed the game for Northern. Keep practicing those cartwheels Canny!
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After the game was transferred from Moorabin to Sandringham due to a burst watermain affecting the field, the Bullants started slowly in the blustery conditions. Missed opportunities to capitalise while kicking with the wind made the task hard for the Bullants in the opening quarter. Obviously missing was the drive from injured running player Russell Lee who was omitted prior to the game, which left the Bullants struggling to overcome the Saints' strong use of the ball across the midfield in the first half.
The Bullants however fought back hard in the third quarter, some magical play up forward by Grainger after hard workers Frost and Sage provided momentum to the team's running game saw the Bullants rattle the Saints, Northern kicking 9 goals for the term and pegging the margin back in under 4 goals. But St Kilda drew away in the last to record a win, a disappointment to all Bullants supporters who had been on the edge of their seats during the remarkable third term. Other bright spots on the day were the form of key defender Brett Zorzi who was solid all day in defence, and first game player Damien Evans, who shone through with great potential in the second half.
The Bullants have the weekend off this week, however they will be keen to play the Murray Kangaroos the following week, in what is seen as a very good opportunity for a win. The Northern Bullants Innaugural Ball will take place this Friday night, see below for details.
In other news the club is holding a masquerade ball on Friday the 19th of May at The Abbey, 49-55 Main Street Diamond Creek. The dress is Semi-Formal and the cost will be $50 a head including a 2 course meal, beer, wine, champagne and softdrink. Money and table lists must be in by Wednesday 10th of May, any queries can be directed to Craig Caracella, Scott Grainger or Peter Van Blommentstein.
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29/4: The Bullants started well against former AFL reserve side Richmond at Victoria Park, and asserted their dominance over the field in the first half with great running and linking work coming across the field. A lapse in the third quarter allowed the Tigers back into the game, and halfway into the last quarter Richmond's lead was extended to 5 goals despite the tireless work of the Bullants side. After brilliant play resulting in goals by the likes of Cann and suprise forward option Matthew Bonadio, the Northern boys clawed their way back into the game to regain the lead with little under 5 minutes to go. Severe blows to the head lead to Matthew Cusak being taken from the ground, and also saw Shane Mitchell floored. However the Bullants' courageous fightback was to no avail as Richmond capatalised on several costly turnovers to run away with the game.
6/5: After a promising start seing the team just 14 points down at half time against the unbeaten Box Hill Hawks, a third quarter fade out allowed the Hawks to extend their lead in the second half as skill errors form the Bullants players coupled with a strong running game and tall marking options form Box Hill proved decisive. The Hawks ran away with the game by 84 points in the end, showing the Bullants that they must be more consistent in their efforts to put together 4 quarters of quality football. However the team showed glimpses of some excellent football, Russell Lee putting in another great game, showing both skill and an excellent running game linking the ball through half forward and half back. A further promising sign for the Bullants was Matthew Penn resuming in the reserves after his overseas voyage. Penn put in a solid showing and will be pushing for senior selection this week.
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The Bullants this week defeated Bendigo in a close encounter, the Diggers chipping away at an early Bullants lead to no avail. An early change of lead in the last quarter that saw Bendigo 5 points up was repelled by strong play from the Bullants, who ran away victors by 2 goals, 14.13. (97) to Bendigo 11.19. (85).
The club wishes well both Daniel Hayes and Kristian Koutoufides who have both recovering from broken bones, Daniel his arm, and Christian his collarbone. Also missing from the team of late has been vice-captain Matthew Penn who is currently trekking in the Himalayas. We certainly look forward to the return of these players.
Left to right: Haysey, Mark Raso and Kouta, Ricky Frost and Penny.
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- Players, Committee, Staff & Supporters
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