THE Kilmore Football Netball Club song was sung with gusto when the mighty, fighting U19’s team proved too slick for the Bundoora Bulls at the Grand Final on the weekend at Thomastown.
Kicking with the breeze, Kilmore was quick to wrestle control after an even opening quarter where they fiercely dominated territory and possession. Three goals to Bundoora’s one put them in front for the first change, 20-8.
Changing ends, the Bulls supporters appreciated a classy turn of events, but a missed chance on the half-time siren secured a narrow lead for Kilmore going into the rooms at the main break, 33-30.
Kilmore flexed its muscles in the third quarter featuring Thomas Wardley; unstoppable, composed and winning the best-on-ground medal for his leadership as he led the Blues to score a promising 27-point lead for the third quarter, 66-39.
Bundoora’s missed chances proved costly. Going into the final quarter, Kilmore’s defenders read the ball better, denying the Bulls an opportunity to capitalise on their efforts in clearing the ball from the centre bounce.
A goal from Kilmore around the 25-minute mark put the game to bed and there was no coming back for the Bulls.
When the final siren sounded, to their clubs delight, the Blues ran out 24-point winners, 10.15 (75) to 6.15 (51).
Blues’ captain Mitchell O’Dwyer played a sterling game, kicking three goals to earn him a position in coach Adam Goudge’s best players.
William Bowshall-Tanner with two goals and Jarvis Sleep with one also featured while Ryan Knight and Rory Taylor also earned their selection in the top five players.
Single goal kickers included Katlan Cook, Benjamin Doyle, Tristan Lilburn and Maddox McManus.
Goudge spoke to the crowd after the game, congratulating Bundoora and he said they made him nervous.
“You pushed us all day boys,” he said.
“But keep your heads up, ‘cause to make the Grand Final is hard.”
“I’m just so proud of the boys, the season they’ve had, they deserve to win,” Goudge said.
Assistant Coach Mick Shaw agreed.
“The boys have worked hard all year. It shows,” he said.
“It’s a huge team effort.”
