Bullants upset the Scorpions
Finals Wk 2 Match Report: Casey Scorpions v Northern Bullants
Northern Bullants prevented a last quarter fightback by Casey Scorpions to cause an upset 11-point win and progress to the preliminary finals.
Following last week’s comprehensive win over the Pies, the Bullant’s confidence was high and they willing to put their bodies on the line and apply bone-crunching tackles to inhibit Casey’s damaging run.
The Bullants adapted to the slippery conditions and listened to instructions to kick the ball long inside 50 to create opportunities for the forwards.
Irishman Setanta O’hAilpin dominated the forward line, leading well and booting three consecutive goals to set up a 20-point lead at the first break.
As the game progressed, the Scorpions continued to overuse the ball through the centre corridor frustrating coach Brad Gotch and enabling Brock McLean (31 possessions) and Jarrod McCorkell (27 possession) to move the ball swiftly into attack.
The Northern Bullants had great awareness of their teammates around the stoppages, allowing the quick getaway and increasing the pressure on the under-siege Casey defence. Ash Arrowsmith led by example laying ferocious tackles forcing his opponents to ground.
The conditions had taken a toll on both sides but the Scorpions were prepared to give it their all. The Bullants lost accuracy and precision kicking to a pack rather than the one-on-one contest, remaining goalless in the final term.
Scorpions Wade Lees and Tim Mohr (20 possessions) initiated play off half back providing their side with plenty of run and an opportunity to score at the other end of the ground. Rian McGough slotted a handy goal to narrow the margin in the hope of over running the Bullants in the dying moments.
The final siren sounded as the Scorpions season had come to a disappointing end bowing out of finals in straight sets. The Bullants have booked a place in this week’s preliminary final against Williamstown.
After the match, Northern Bullants coach David Teague praised the efforts of Bullant listed players McCorkell, Arrowsmith, Luke Morgan and Captain Adam Iacobucci.
“I thought they played their best games for the year and that’s what you want in final’s time, good player’s to step it up and they did that today,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the challenge next week.”
“Williamstown are a very good offensive side. We need to make sure our pressures up and we can get in and win the ball first.”
“To the boy’s credit they have really stepped it up another gear. Next week whether we are good enough or not against Williamstown, I know the boy’s will have a real crack playing their best footy.”
Next week the Bullants will take on powerhouse Williamstown on Saturday afternoon for a spot in 2010 VFL Grand Final.
The Bullants are expected to regain six Carlton players following the Blues’ loss against Sydney in their elimination final on Sunday.
Match Summary
Casey Scorpions 3.1 5.5 6.6 9.6 (60)
Northern Bullants 6.3 8.6 10.7 10.11 (71)
Goals
Casey Scorpions: Miller 2, McNamara, MacReadie, Creed, Healey, Wall, Riseley, Fieldsend
Northern Bullants: O’hAilpin 3, Anderson, Fisher, McLean, Saad, Johnson, Thomas, Hampson
Best
Casey Scorpions: MacReadie, Fieldsend, Lees, Riseley, Patti, Mohr
Northern Bullants: McLean, McCorkell, Johnson, Dare, Morgan, Arrowsmith
It's more than just a game 