The Northern Bullants got their 2009 campaign back on track after accounting for flag-fancies Port Melbourne in their ANZAC Day clash at NAB Oval. Despite the restrictions of the 12/10 rule and Port boasting a seemingly superior list, Northern were able to overcome some early resistance to post an impressive 43-point victory.
In front of a sizable crowd at the Ant Farm, both sides were stirred into action and displayed the sort of spirit youâd expect from an ANZAC day match. Sporting the black-arm band for both ANZAC day and also recently passed Treasurer Lloyd Scott, the Bullants were on their game from the opening bounce.
Forward Dave Boundy was in everything while Hampson was giving his onballers some good use out of the middle. For Port, Veteran Steve Brewer was solid early, as was former Bullant Cory McGrath and couldâve been in front if not for some errant kicking in front of goal. As it stood, the Ants found themselves with a 3 point margin going into the 2nd term. From there it was all Northern, with the home side kicking 6 goals to 1 in the 2nd quarter to give themselves what in the end proved to be an insurmountable 34 point lead. After a tight 3rd quarter Port Melbourne managed to get within 19 points going into the last but they werenât close enough, with the Bullants kicking 4 goals final quarter goals to run out comfortable winners.
Northern were always more potent going forward having 10 different goal-kickers, with young-gun Chris Yarran (3 goals) being the most dangerous. For the Borough, Pinwill and Raymond both finished with 2 each.
To further sour the day for the Borough, big forward Adrian Bonaddio was reported for striking Bullants captain Adam Iacobucci.
In round four, the Bullants face winless Frankston at Visy Park while Port can rebound against Geelong at home on Saturday.
Northern Bullants 5. 11.2 13.4 17.9 (111)
| Port Melbourne 4.3 5.4 9.9 9.14 (68)
GOALS:Northern Bullants: Yarran 3 McCorkell 2 Bentley 2 Bannister 2 Ellard 2 Boundy 2 Robinson Saddington Fisher Spiteri
Port Melbourne: Pinwill 2 Raymond 2 Mullins Pleming Dwyer Bonaddio BAIRD
BEST:Northern Bullants: Bentley Hadley McCorkell Hartlett Robinson Yarran
Port Melbourne: Dalton McGrath Scipione Pinwill Brewer Pleming
REPORTED PLAYERS:Northern Bullants: Nil
Port Melbourne: Bonaddio (Port) for striking Iacobucci (Bullants)
In the early match, the Ants reserves bounced back from a narrow loss last-week to defeat Port by 37 points. SANFL recruit Wes Bilney again pressed his claim for a senior spot, jagging 6 majors while the visitors were well served by Wayne Schultz & Fabian Deluca (2 goals).
Last Modified on 01/05/2009 10:45