Preliminary Final, 2011
Port Melbourne v Northern Bullants
by Mark Towson
Well rested after a week off, Port Melbourne hosted the Northern Bullants in Preliminary Final blockbuster at Teac Oval. The undefeated Port was going to have their work cut out against a very talented side that contained many Carlton listed players and further boosted by the late addition of Jarrad Waite.
1st QUARTER
The huge crowd at Port witnessed a very exciting first quarter as both teams moved the ball quickly and set up plenty of scoring opportunities.
Port was able to get the opening goal through Patrick Rose however this was answered by 3 quick Bullant goals.
The quarter contained many highlights including 3 goals apiece to opposing forwards Dean Galea and Ryan Houlihan.
Borough ball magnets Shane Valenti and John Baird were quite influential as the home side took in a handy 14 point lead at the first break.
2nd QUARTER
The Borough got a great start to the term with Shane Valenti kicking an early goal after just two minutes. Port’s lead was out to 20 points and things were looking good for Gary Ayres and his men.
Just as Port looked set for another goal, an untidy kick turned the ball over to the Ants as they ran the ball down the Ingles Street side and converted.
Talented forwards Dean Galea and Jarrad Waite were next to hit the scoreboard as the game turned into a real shoot out.
A number of times Port threatened to break the game open only to see the Ants respond.
The star of the first half was Dean Galea who kicked 5 goals and was unlucky not to be awarded a sixth after a contentious decision that deemed a goal of his was touched.
The Borough went into half time with a narrow 9 point lead.
3rd QUARTER
The third term started in exciting fashion as the Northern Bullants kicked the opening two goals to edge in front of Port. Both goals were to Ryan Houlihan who was causing plenty of trouble for the Borough backline.
The Ants lead was then stretched out to 8 points when Kerr nailed a running goal at the 14 minute mark.
Patty Rose got a very important goal for the Borough moments later when he stopped the Ants momentum by sharking a great goal.
This was followed up by one of the goals of the year by Shane Valenti who evaded 5 Bullant players to kick an absolute classic.
When the siren sounded to end a fascinating term, the Northern Bullants held a 1 point lead as the nervous crowd pondered what may happen in the final 30 minutes.
4th QUARTER
After such a free flowing and high scoring game, the opening 7 minutes of the last term become a real arm wrestle as no team could break the dead lock until Port veteran Ryan McMahon lifted the Port faithful by kicking an important goal.
The Ants then hit back as they had done all day by kicking two quick goals through Saad and Austin to take the lead throw down the gauntlet to Port.
The previous quarter Gary Ayres had thrown two time VFL team of the year back man Sam Pleming into the forward line in an attempt to spark the Borough. The move worked a treat as Pleming nailed 2 crucial goals as Port began to surge. A goal to Chris Cain thrown in as well had the home side looking the goods as the game entered the time on period.
The Borough was having a great patch as they peppered the goals and controlled possession. The Ants looked spent and one could tell there was no way back for last season’s runners up.
With just moments remaining Chris Cain kicked a skillful left foot running goal as the Port faithful were sent into ecstasy knowing a trip to Etihad Stadium was now booked.
Toby Pinwill was a massive part of Ports last quarter heroics but he was just one of many who lifted when it mattered.
Baird, Valenti, Cain and Pleming all crucial in getting the famous red and blue jumper to that last game in September.
Port Melbourne will now take on bitter rival Williamstown in the 2011 VFL Grand Final at Etihad Stadium. All the action kicks off on Sunday September 25 from 2.00 pm.
Let’s make it a sea of Red & Blue as the Borough attempt to cap off an amazing season with a Premiership that has been a long time coming.
Go The Mighty Borough!
Port Melbourne 6.4 10.8 12.13 18.19 (127)
Northern Bullants 4.2 9.5 13.8 16.9 (105)
GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Galea 5 Rose 3 Pleming 2 Cain 2 Valenti 2 McGrath McMahon Francis Burstin
Northern Bullants: Houlihan 5 Saad 3 Kerr 2 Austin 2 Watson McLean O'Keefe Waite
BEST:
Port Melbourne: Baird Galea Pinwill Valenti Dillon Burstin
Northern Bullants: Russell Dare Houlihan Curnow Meese Austin
Last Modified on 21/09/2011 11:15