Bullants claim third flag in four years

Preston Bullants claimed their third premiership in four years after they led from start to finish in their 12-point Division 2 Grand Final victory against St John’s at Casey Fields. Despite entering the game as slight underdogs after going 1-1 from their two meetings in the home and away fixture against the top-ranked side, the Bullants increased their lead every term until the last when the JOCs made a five-goal to four mini-comeback. The Bullants blew the lead out to five goals with 12 minutes remaining before flooding the backline and allowing three successive majors to the JOCs. Damon Marcon was everywhere as he garnered possessions at will and received his second best on ground medallion in three flags. Fellow stars, Matt Holmes and Sean Calcedo, bagged three goals each for the Bullants, while Aaron Thornton mirrored that output for the JOCs. If it weren’t for inaccuracy early in the piece, the JOCs may have been saluting at final siren’s sound, but Glenn Costas, Anthony Brannan and Liam O’Connor were instrumental in their side’s continued fight. Both sides will now enter Division 1 in 2017 and expectations will be high after outstanding 2016 campaigns.

Earlier in the day, Melbourne High School Old Boys came from nine down at three quarter time and overran West Brunswick by eight points. Four unanswered goals in the final term sealed the deal for the Unicorns, with Justin McKeone, Mason Fennessy-Kent and Chad Hewish starring throughout. Nicholas Arnold kicked two goals for the Westies, while Jack Nulty fought bravely all day.