Our Season 2019 is progressing nicely and I hope that everyone enjoyed a well-earned break over the holidays.  The YJFl has asked for our support to help raise awareness for the impact of the North East Link on our league.  Here is an excerpt from a letter from the CEO of the YJFL, Tim Murray:

Dear Presidents,

I write to you today regarding the current situation with North East Link. As you know, all our facilities at Bulleen Park will be lost forever to allow for the construction of the North East Link road.

Recent discussions with the government haven’t progressed. This means that as of the end of next season:

• We will not have anywhere for our umpires to train before the season starts, including new umpires, of which we have 100+ each year.
• There will be no rep team trials or training/matches before the season.
• No Summer Development Program.
• No 'community hub' that all clubs can attend, for Coach training, Season kick-off’s, League Meetings, Auskick training, etc.

We will be making a post on our Facebook page. Please like and share the  post to raise awareness of this issue.

I am pleased to report that we have received funding from the City of Darebin to install a fence at HP Zwar Reserve and upgrade the kitchen. Thank you to Councillors Julie Williams and Lina Messina for their continued support of our club. The fence will be installed between the changeover of the AFl and cricket seasons.

Our electronic scoreboard has been ordered and will be installed by the end of September this year. Thank you to John Pappas for all his hard work to ensure that we have a scoreboard for next season.

Make sure that you keep an eye out on Team App for details regarding our events for the rest of the season. We have locked in a date for our Round 14 Pizza Night, Bullants Bash, Colts Presentation Night and Presentation/Family Day.

Go Bullants

Suki
President
Preston Bullants JFC

The Bullants were looking to rebound after a loss to Macleod the previous week, and it was another opportunity to go up against one of the best teams in the group in Greythorn. With a game at PCO and a solid week on the training track the boys were pumped for a big game and a chance to get back on the winners list.

The boys were also keen for a win to celebrate another lot of 50 game milestones for Willo, Kes and Tommy G (all of whom would all have a big impact on the final result of the match).

Q1:
The game started with Bullants kicking to the city end of the ground and as has been the case in the past few games both teams cracked into the contest like it was a final. As the quarter wore on the Bullants started to get on top with their speed and run with highlights including:

-    Kes in the ruck and around the ground using his leap to get the ball the advantage of the Bullants runners. Using his pace he completely out ran the Greythorn ruckman and provided linking runs.
-    Tom playing an absolute blinder with a number of contests and touches during the quarter (as well as a great goal). His run and pressure was a standout which had the coach lost for words (finally).
-    Billy’s pressure and reading of the play to continually intercept any attack from Greythorn.
-    Patty B using his pace to break into space and deliver to the forwards, his courage and skill were evident when taking on numerous Greythorn opponents and winning out.
-    Watto providing a target and taking some ripping marks across ½ forward. Using his height he ensured that contest was always even and didn’t allow Greythorn to take uncontested marks.
-    Harry taking on 2 opponents and winning the contest to get the ball to advantage of other teammates and using his raking left foot to get the ball to teammates.
-    Tommy G patrolling the backline and making sure nothing got through with great reading of the play, positioning and marking
-    Joe assuming his role as the wall across ½ back providing hard contests and not allowing anything to pass.

The quarter ended with the Bullants full of run and using the open space of PCO to their advantage, Greythorn to their credit however were sticking around and it was still close as the siren sounded to end the 1st quarter.

Bullants 1.1.7 Greythorn 0.2.2


Q2:
The 2nd quarter started in the same manner as the first with hard contests all over the ground. However, as with the 1st quarter, the Bullants quickly got into their grove and started to move the ball with run and carry, to which Greythorn didn’t have an answer. As we have seen in a number of games, the opposition may have taller, physically bigger players, but they don’t have the speed or skill of the Bullants. Highlights for the 2nd quarter were:

-    Marcus moved onto a wing and using his pace, poise and skill continually got into the right spots and delivered the ball beautifully to the leading forwards.
-    Browny playing at the feet of the big forwards grabbing the crumbs and using his speed to get clear. He was rewarded with a great goal on the run (well done Browny!)
-    Ziggy (aka Bull) playing a traditional full forward role. In one bit of play he lead beautifully, ½ volleyed a pass and spun around and snapped truly, it was a goal that bought the hoots of ‘Bull, Bull, Bull’ from the crowd.
-    Callum looking more and more like a centre half forwards from the 90’s leading up and dominating contests, his marking has improved immensely (as has his goal kicking, recording yet another goal to add to his seasons tally).
-    Woody playing a shutdown role on some of Greythorn’s more dangerous opponents, putting pressure on his opponents and making sure teammates were able to get clear.
-    Willo using his pace to compliment the big forwards and making sure that when the ball was on the ground that there was a contest to lock the ball in the forward line.
-    Sam playing with his usual toughness and want for the ball, his ability to go in hard and win a contest was one thing that allowed the Bullants to get on top in this quarter.
As the quarter wore on the Bullants once again got on top allowing them to increase their lead over Greythorn. As the boys came off the ground the effort they had given was evident, with a number of the boys puffing hard, showing that they were giving their all.

Bullants 3.1.19 Greythorn 1.4.10


Q3:
With a belly full of oranges and some wise words from the coaches the boys headed out for the 3rd quarter. The quarter was a show of strength from the Bullants showing why they are one of the strongest teams in the comp, highlights for the quarter included:

-    Tamer using his silky skills and fend offs to get set up others leading towards a number of goals for the term.
-    Venuto playing a slightly different role, tagging Greythorn’s better player to nullify their influence, but also winning the ball on his own merit and using his kicking skills to set up other down the field.
-    Dash using his leap and pace to completely dominate in ruck contests, and then using his run to spread and offer options streaming forward
-    Hamish playing like he had the ball on a string, and once again showing his flair and dare with run and carry, as well as a number of kicks off his opposite foot.
-    Jake across the backline cutting off any Greythorn attack, reading the play before his opponents to get to the right spot to intercept and rebound.

When the siren did sound the scoreboard showed that the Bullants had piled on 3 goals to none, giving them a big lead going into the last quarter. The coaching group was extremely proud of the effort of the boys, but reminded them that they had another quarter to go.

Bullants 6.4.40 Greythorn 1.4.10


Q4:
As the last quarter started the Bullants were reminded to stick to the game plan and to keep the hard work going (which they did). The last quarter saw the Bullants keep their foot on the throttle to make sure that the game finished off on a high. Highlights were as follows:

-    Clem kicking a beautiful goal after some great roving across the ½ forward line. His skill and poise mesmerised a number of Greythorn players and had the crowd cheering.
-    Sage playing a typical captains game, leading with his effort, going into contest after contest and irrespective of the number of opponents getting the ball out to teammates, and his continual run always ensuring he was at the coal face.
-    Jackson kicking his first goal (and what a great goal it was) for the Bullants and showing a bit of X-factor in the forward line.

As the final siren sounded the scoreboard showed the Bullants had recorded 41-point win, although the game itself felt much closer. Both coaches agreed that it was a great game and that both teams played in the right spirit.

The Bullants returned to the winner’s circle and with the end of the season fast approaching are sitting within the top four. With only a few games remaining the aim will be to keep the winning run going with finals being the reward. Once again a big thankyou to all the coaching panel and the parents who helped out on the day.
Bullants 8.5.53 Greythorn 1.6.12

Thanks to Carlo Venuto for another great Match Report.
Our boys 1 home and away win away from securing a well-deserved spot in the finals.
Proud Coach as always. Scott.

On Sunday, the Preston Bullant boys ventured back across to Bulleen Park to play against Bulleen Templestowe Bullants!!
 
It was a match that pitted Bulleen Temp. in 4th position versus Preston Bullants in 6th position on the ladder.
The Preston boys still with a few players out went into the game knowing that a win would give them a chance to stay in finals contention.
 
The first quarter started with Preston peppering the goals but unfortunately could only register 3 points before Bulleen Temp. steadied and kicked the first two goals of the game, scores at quarter time 0.3.3 to 2.1.13.
The second quarter started with Bulleen temp kicking the first two goals before the Preston boys settled and kicked their first of the match.
Even though playing the better football the Preston Bullants struggled to reward themselves on the scoreboard trailing 5.2.32 to 4.4.28 at the half time siren.
 
After a chance to regroup in the sheds the Bullants came out and kicked the next 3 goals to go in at 3 quarter time leading 7.5.47 to 5.2.32 putting us in the lead.
 
In the last term, the Bullants played their best football of the year slamming through 8 goals to none, to run out winners 15.2.95 to 5.2.32
 
The last two and a half quarters the Preston Bullants ran and shared the football, lowering their eyes and hitting targets that were leading to space and toward the ball carrier, our pressure and tackling was outstanding causing turnovers and fumbling from the opposition.

David's run down in defence and Kalians goal where great to see.

A tremendous team game of football with all players doing their part - with a great win which sees us sitting in fourth spot heading into the last round.

After a few weeks of relatively routine wins, including a match won by forfeiture, the Bullants hosted Warrandyte at Preston City Oval in an enthralling match. This was a game against an opposition team also vying for finals, with a result that both reinforced the Bullants’ credentials and guaranteed a top-two finish.

The match presented what was a bruising encounter between the two sides. Warrandyte employed some tough physicality to impact the contest, with Lucas coming off the ground early from a late hit from behind in a marking contest. The Bullants responded well, with their own hardness on the ball – an aspect of the boys’ game that has been a hallmark of the team’s play style. What has become evident over the back half of the year, is that while the Bullants continue to be tenacious in the contest, the marking prowess of talls, Cooper, Brody and Oscar, added another dimension to the team’s arsenal. The boys could hold their own in congestion, and move the ball quickly and decisively when needed, showing how balanced the side had become.

That balance was clearly apparent amongst each player. Josh, who could generally be found in tight situations, chasing down opponents and laying crunching tackles, found himself with a bit of freedom and completing searching runs along the wing. Caspian, who is often sweeping across the ground and providing great run along the win, was tough at the contest and running down opposition ball carriers. Seb R’s team-first instinct resulted in a couple of goals, his shepherd in the second quarter freeing Jack up to set Mahmoud up for a goal, and his quick hands while on the ground, allowing Cooper the space to kick truly.

Scores were close for most of the game, a goal to Warrandyte early in the third had made it a one-point game, but the Bullants pressure throughout was immense. Harry and Makaio, both back in the side this week, were fearless in their intent, and Lucas, back on the ground, showed heart and desperation in his attempts to get to each contest. The boys’ determination ensured that most of Warrandyte’s scoring opportunities were pushed out wide and forced several kicks out of bounds on the full.

With a slim 9-point lead to defend at the start of the last quarter, one that was reduced to seven points with a couple of Warrandyte behinds, the atmosphere was tense, both teams competing hard, neither side giving an inch. Seb R, who’d begun the match so well, ended the match with a couple of telling contested marks and could have finished the match with more than a goal, one he’d kicked after the final siren. Skipper Phoenix was in amongst it all, competing in marking contests, laying tackles, dictating general play, and generating inside 50s through his superb centre clearance work, ultimately relieving the tension as the Bullants ran out 27-point victors.

Go BULLANTS!

Seven days earlier we had been smacked by top team Brunswick. On our home turf. With bruised ego and broken rhythm, and what looked like a beat-up old team plan we struggled through 80 minutes of painful realisation that footy is a heartbreaker of a game.

I couldn’t be bothered writing about the game. We saw what we saw. The team absorbed what it absorbed. My one hope is that the loss, cruel as it was, did not sway the mighty Bullants to capitulate to a lazy argument that Brunswick are a cut above. I don’t want to know that even one player believes that nonsense. Let alone it become the kool-aid the whole team drinks down.

That thinking belies the season the Bullants have played. It belies the staggeringly impressive footy played by every player across the field that has seen us drop only one game to this division’s teams prior to last week. And it ignores the day out at Brunswick when we spun them around like a toy.

Mind you at half time on Sunday after Whitehorse beat us hands down in the second quarter I wasn’t Mr Confident. Marty let rip in the rooms at the big break, with a focus on several key players (while a few others breathed a sigh of sweet relief that they weren’t in his sights). This old school approach reved the team up. Let me put it this way, after half-time Whitehorse had one shot on goal to 14 from the Bullants. We ran away with it, the only downside being another week of too many behinds.

We went into the game fazed by last week’s drubbing. Of more concern was the ladder and finals permutations made possible by that loss. If we lost against Whitehorse we might miss the double chance in the finals. Doubt dances like the devil when trying to calculate these scenarios.

The game was energised by the coach’s new game plan and team positions. It was both bold and familiar at the same time. It leveraged player’s strengths and sought to rectify weak links we exposed against Brunswick.

The game started well, when in the first few minutes Brodie took the ball forward to Leo who spotted Sam and he kicked true. Zac was already showing that he was on. Billy laid a good tackle. Terry was Terry. Whitehorse took it right up to the Ants. In fact they were leading when Hamilton scratched a goal from congestion. Punter and Johnny were getting involved. The game was heating up.

In the second we watched more Sam magic, man he reads the play well. Lucas was doing a great job. Leo, from 40 out took the ball, lined it up and slotted it neatly. While most observations of a game are kicks and so on, one highlight of our game today was the number of spoils we made. Whitehorse had some tall timber in their side. But we made them work for every mark.

It was about now that Whitehorse started to dominate. Zac was doing his best. Brodie was great in defence. But Whitehorse goaled and the next goal extended their lead. We got some respite with one of our famed runs, this time three kicks took the ball from Josh and Leo to Punter on the lead and a goal. Whitehorse scored again and took a ten point lead into the big break.

The boys hit the Third hard, desperate to prove to the coaches that they have that Bullant fighting spirit and to prove to themselves that they are made of top of the ladder stuff. A Jackson tackle was our first statement. Leo, Brodie and Johnny took the ball from coast to coast. Lucas and Jordan showed true grit. You could sense the team’s work rate and commitment had lifted. Josh’s run down tackle was a big moment. Terry and Leo showing their leadership credentials. Sam was having a day of it. Then Kingy’s pack mark announced the Ants were not leaving without a win. Alister’s run was brilliant. Zac is in everything. The biggest moment of the game so far was the three kick goal, Max out of the backline to Billy on the wing (what a mark) and on to Hamilton who kicked true and was only getting started. The goal gave us the lead back. And that was that.

Hamilton kicked his third to start the Last with a neat pass from Punter. The coach had asked his charges to dig deep. And they dug. Whitehorse got one back (their only scoring shot of the second half). Jackson was getting his hands on the ball with a pass to Josh who moved it to Al. Then Terry zig-zagged through traffic to get to Johnny who passed it to Jackson and he kicked true.

When Kingy’s steal of mark and pass to Rory gave us our third goal for the quarter it was hard to imagine Whitehorse coming back. The Ants had found their mojo. It took a fair while into this game and needed a Marty rev special but once they clicked they were on song. This is the Bullants they should look at when wondering how good they are and how good they might be.

Johnny marked and kicked out to the boundary to Jackson. He moved it to Hamilton who, on an angle so tight Pythagoras would have trouble measuring it, slotted it through like he was Daicos. The team was pumped now. Nothing could get in their way. Jordan to Terry to Sam. Then Billy, to Sam, back to Billy and on to Hamilton who brings up his fifth! Terry took on four in the backline and came out triumphant. Ben D was excellent. Josh to Al and we’re away again. Another run, this time its Ben D to Al to Punter. Kingy was electric. Rose to the challenge as a captain must. His last mark was just brilliant. And the Ants finished this game in total control. Bottle this, call it kool-aid and drink it down. This is who you are and this is who you must be to go all the way.