By Jonty Ralphsmith
Buln Buln has survived an after-the-siren shot on goal against Ellinbank to maintain its undefeated record in the Ellinbank District Football League.
Tom Axford smothered Rylan Jones’ set shot directly in front to ensure Buln Buln held on 4.8 32 to 4.4 28 in a muddy slogfest at Ellinbank.
The Lyrebirds kicked the only two goals of the second half as momentum started to shift its way after the Eagles played the conditions better in a soggy first half.
Playing-coach Bob McCallum was a key part of the momentum shift and broke through for the only goal of the third quarter, before Trent Baker gave the Lyrebirds the lead at the eight-minute mark of the last stanza.
Territory was king given the conditions, with Buln Buln’s ability to equalise forward of the footy and win one-on-ones around the ground at crucial stages helping them claw their way back into the contest after trailing by nine points at halftime.
For the first time in 2024, gun goal kicker Patrick Ireland was kept goalless, and spent time in defence, where his marking was crucial to cutting off Ellinbank’s forward thrusts.
For the Eagles, Anthony Battista kicked three of his team’s four goals, while Bryce Joyce and Connor Wilkins were both excellent in the loss.
At Nilma Darnum, Longwarry was also forced to do it the hard way, overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit to beat Nilma Darnum 8.4 52 to 5.7 37.
The Crows kicked six goals to one in the second half to maintain its eight-point buffer in fifth position, as they played the conditions better as the game went on.
Braydon McHugh kicked three goals, while Kane Taylor and Troy Lehman were both strong for Longwarry, while Ben Campbell was the best for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Lang Lang was workmanlike in a 14.15 99 to 3.0 18 win over Nyora, Jeremiah Jones kicked four as Neerim South dismantled Yarragon 17.12 114 to 3.2 20 and Trafalgar edged Poowong 9.3 57 to 8.6 54,
Ladder: Buln Buln 48, Lang Lang 40, Neerim South 36, Ellinbank 32, Longwarry 32, Trafalgar 24, Nilma Darnum 20, Poowong 12, Yarragon 12, Catani 4, Nyora 0
Fixture: Yarragon v Ellinbank, Trafalgar v Neerim South, Nyora v Poowong, Longwarry v Lang Lang, Catani v Nilma Darnum
