Football
2 September, 2024
Bulls charge into grand final
Birchip-Watchem is through to their second grand final in three years after defeating Sea-Lake Nandaly by two points at Donald Recreation Reserve in the second semi-final of the North Central Football League.
Sea-Lake Nandaly finished on top of the ladder, but with both teams having a 1-1 record against each other this season, a tough match was expected.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter, the Bulls kicked three goals to one in the opening quarter to take a 17-point lead into quarter-time.
The second quarter proved to be the decisive one of the game. The Bulls kicked three goals to two against the wind in that second quarter, all to Ben Edwards, who notched up his 100th goal for the season that quarter to keep the lead at 17 points at half-time.
A four-goal to three third quarter saw them extend the lead to 24 points at the main break. With the Tigers kicking into the wind in the last quarter, they came home hard, kicking four goals and five behinds of the quarter. The Bulls, however, held firm in the dying moments to win 11.9.75 to 10.13.73.
Edwards kicked four goals, and Angus Butterfield, Lachlan Ryan, Meyrick Buchanan, Nicholas Rippon, Hamish Hosking, and Jacob Noonan were among their best.
The Tiger's best were Thomas Cox, Wade Donnan, Luke Martin, Tyson McKenzie, Jack Poulton, and Charlie Cox.
The Bulls won the Grand Final in 2022, defeating Donald, and now have an opportunity to secure their second flag in three years.
Ben Edwards said it was pleasing they showed composure to grind out the win.
"We always knew they were going to come back into the match, and they got a run on in the last, as they are an excellent team and were able to use the wind to their advantage, as they were kicking goals from outside fifty," Edwards said.
"They have a fantastic midfield, and for us to show the composure we did to grind out the win was brilliant."
"We are a connected group, and everyone gets along, which is amazing. We always have each other's backs, and getting back into the grand final is an amazing result."
"We were a bit disappointed last year to get knocked out in the prelim, but we are looking forward to two weeks from now, and hopefully, we can come away with the win."
Bulls coach Trevor Ryan said it was a brilliant result.
"We were lucky enough to have the wind and get a lead on the board, and in the second quarter, we managed to get the ball on our terms and make the most of our moments. It's a huge result for us," Ryan said.
Lachlan Ryan and Angus Butterfield were their clear standouts on the day on the half-back flank, providing plenty of drive and composure, especially in the trying conditions.
"They are hybrid backmen and can intercept mark, run, and carry. They are the best ball users on our team," Ryan said.
"They got a lot of ball across half-back, especially in that second quarter, as they could grab the ball and control it in the right way to the right players.
"They had a lot of handball receives and are good users of the footy and make the right decisions and intercept well, and Ryan also managed to kick a goal, which was brilliant."
The Bulls had the bye in the last round and didn't play in week one of the finals, meaning this was their first game in three weeks. Ryan believes it won't be a factor with another week off next week to wait and see who they play in the grand final.
"We came through okay on Saturday and got the win, so we will use it to our advantage as much as we can," Ryan said.
"It's always good to be sitting back knowing you are in and watching the other two compete, so when we do hit the grand final, we will hit it running."