Bullants go three from four in compelling Div 2 season

By Jarryd McGuane

The 2016 Division 2 season was an interesting mix of teams that led to a compelling back and forth year, ending in the Preston Bullants’ third premiership in four years of senior VAFA football.

The overwhelming favourite prior to the season’s commencement was St John’s, who came off a very good regular season before going out in straight sets. The JOCs were the class of the competition, as they were only defeated once on their way to the Grand Final. The other three places in the four were more fluid and constantly changing hands, with West Brunswick claiming second ahead of Preston on percentage. Yarra Valley and MHSOB were only separated by one percent going into Round 18, before a Unicorns loss gave the Bushrangers fourth position and a finals berth. The JOCs won a direct path to the Grand Final with a 41-point qualifying final win over West Brunswick, while the Bullants ran through the Bushrangers and Westies on their way to the ultimate glory.

We start the review at Kevin Bartlett Reserve with Richmond Central (9^th). It was a season to forget for the Snakes as they failed to secure a win for the year; their eight points on the ladder came for the two byes created when Monash Gryphons withdrew prior to Round 1. In a few games, Richmond Central were extremely competitive for at least a half of football. It was evident in their stats where they conceded nearly three times as many points as they scored. The Snakes will look to rebound in 2017 with a new coach and renewed belief in Division 3.

Newly-promoted Emmaus St Leos (8^th) started the season brightly as they were 2-2 after Round 4, but added just two more wins alongside eight losses to finish at 4-12. They were competitive throughout the season as they rode the Baranello’s and the goal kicking of Daniel Hill but just couldn’t pull out as many close wins as 2016. They should be able to build on a strong year to remain challengers for next year’s top four.

The first of the sides joining from Division 1 in 2015 was Bulleen Templestowe (7^th). They started the year strongly but hit a bump in the middle of the season and would only put back-to-back wins together once in the season. Their lack of a major goal kicker would restrict them in their pursuit and will need to find a way to increase their output as defensively they were rarely outmatched.

On the other hand, at no stage this season did Eltham Collegians (6^th) look destined for finals. They started 0-7 and their five wins came in a sensational last nine rounds. Built around two great structural pieces in Division 2 runner-up leading goal kicker, Ben Gill, and ruckman Matthew Crooks, the Turtles have the opportunity to recruit well and push for finals in 2017.

Now we get to the teams battling it out for finals positioning, MHSOB (5^th) were sadly the odd team out when the season came to an end. Throughout the year, the Unicorns were jumping in and out of the top four and with one week to go, a strong win would have secured a finals place. Led up forward by Beau Jellis and Kane Smith, and in the midfield by Rex Gavan, they should be able to improve upon their fifth spot next year.

Yarra Valley (4^th) bounced back from an underwhelming 2015 which saw them relegated to Division 2. After 12 rounds, they sat 5-5 and two games behind the Unicorns. But they rallied in the last six rounds with a 4-2 run leading them to a finals berth. Their run of form ended in the first week of finals by the eventual premiers, but we should see the Bushrangers challenging for promotion back to Division 1 in 2017.

The final side who narrowly fell short of the big dance and promotion was West Brunswick (2^nd). The Westies came up to Division 2 after a premiership in 2015 and started the year strong, maintaining their team-based approach throughout the season. They held off the fast-finishing Preston Bullants for second place to head into a matchup with St Johns. After a strong start, it all fell apart as the JOC’s forward line took control and they were ultimately unable to redeem themselves as the Bullants won their preliminary final match-up. They are well set for 2017 to go three out of four.

The Division 2 Grand Final between St Johns and Preston Bullants was a game of momentum. The JOCs would start the stronger of the two sides, but from then on Preston Bullants took control, flooding the back half and strangling the JOCs scoring ability. Led by Fullerton Medallist, Glenn Costas, Corey Ely and new senior coach, Anthony Brannan, in the midfield as well as leading goal kicker, Aaron Thornton, their bid for promotion was never in doubt. If they keep their squad together look for them to surprise in Division 1 next season.

The Bullants were unbelievable and lived up to their tag of September Specialists. Still to this day, they have not lost in the month of September and, following a decent home and away fixture, used their pace, ferocious attack and elite skills to overpower all three finalists. The Marcon and Calcedo brothers were phenomenal throughout the season, with Damon backing it up for his second best-on-ground medallion in the grand final against the JOCs. Despite the loss of star full back, Reed Jepson, the Bullants held strong defensively after jumping the JOCs for the 18-point victory. A dominant forward may be the only piece the Bullants are missing heading into 2017.