Bullant Bulletin - Round 3

The Bullant Correspondent
Apr 29
4 min read

Match Reports

Under 19s

The Under 19.5's put together a cohesive team performance this weekend, securing a decisive victory over Chirnside Park. The group showed great chemistry across the ground, maintaining their focus throughout the match to finish with a strong 23.26 (164) score line. The effort was led by inspirational captain Tom Squarci, whose leadership and work rate set a positive tone for his teammates. Cookson finished with 8 goals but more impressively the team kept the opposition score less. While it was a rewarding day for the Bullants, the team remains focused on improvement and maintaining this momentum, knowing that bigger challenges await as they move deeper into the fixture.

Next Game vs Fair Park @ Fair Park Reserve 8:40am - Saturday 2nd May

Reserves

It was a hard fought afternoon for the Reserves, who ultimately fell short against Chirnside Park in a tight struggle. Despite a spirited effort and goals from Bastasin, Carletti, Cowell, Lucisano, and Mavritsakis, the Bullants couldn't quite bridge the gap, finishing 34 to 49.

The defensive unit worked tirelessly, with Mason and Hildebrand recognised for their standout performances under pressure. While the team showed plenty of heart and stayed within striking distance for much of the game, a lack of chemistry in the end was the difference, preventing the side from finishing off some good plays. The Reserves will look to build on this competitive showing and sharpen their execution as they head into next week.

Next Game vs Fair Park @ Fair Park Reserve 12:20pm - Saturday 2nd May

Seniors

The Seniors' clash was a tale of what could have been, as the boys showed they can go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best. The Bullants enjoyed a strong start but missed opportunities on the scoreboard proved costly. The boys fought hard all day, with Josh Sticca and Haj both hitting the scoreboard and featuring in the best players alongside standout and Ted Kelly medalist Charlie Simonsen.

Unfortunately, injuries to key players hurt structure at critical moments, and while the effort was undeniable, a bit of class in the end was the difference for the visitors. There is plenty of optimism to take from the performance, however; Chirnside Park is clearly one of the benchmark teams but we showed we can match them when we play our brand of football.

Next Game vs Fair Park @ Fair Park Reserve 2:20pm - Saturday 2nd May

From the President’s Desk - Greg Chivers

Thank you to all the Bullants who attended the Templestowe ANZAC service on Saturday morning. It was fantastic to have such strong representation from both our Senior and Junior clubs.

A special thank you to Andrew Grainger for laying a wreath on behalf of the club.

We’re also grateful to Mark ‘Barney’ Hertan for his first-class renditions of The Last Post and The Rouse on the bugle during our pre-game tribute.

Thank you to Bullant Life Member and former serviceman David ‘Normy’ Glover, who stood proudly alongside Barney and myself during the ceremony.

We were honoured to have the Kelly family with us post-match - Ted’s daughter Suzanne, along with granddaughters Simone and Stephanie. Suzanne shared a captivating anecdote about Ted, fondly titled “The Snake Story.”

Congratulations to Charles Simonsen, who was awarded the Senior Team’s Ted Kelly Medal. (The Reserves and Under 19s recipients will be announced at Thursday’s club meal.)

I’d also like to acknowledge our incredible volunteers. Special mentions to Dave ‘The Consultant’ Sticca and James ‘Disco’ Barry, who have joined our morning set-up team, and to the goal umpiring dads now rotating through the Under 19s and Reserves.

Thanks to our next-door neighbour Glenn Bailey for running the senior scoreboard - from behind the laptop in the old box, although he could probably do it just as easily from his back patio!

Thanks to Roger Barbieri and Taylor Floz for serving up delicious Spiducci sticks on the hill. It was also great to have ‘The Chief’ Cobba back on the hill leading the Bullant barracking. And then organizing the pack down with Nugget and Stew. Thanks lads!!

A big thank you to Jen Hanrahan, who supplied a freshly baked batch of ANZAC biscuits. They were a huge hit with the generous souls buying raffle tickets for the famous McGregor’s meat tray.

It was great to see some familiar faces back at the Nest, with Con Morihovitis and his daughter Zara the first that come to mind. Reflecting on Con - and even more so now after five years on the board - I have an even greater appreciation for his contribution to the club. A dependable and loyal Reserves player, Con brought consistency, commitment, and a terrific attitude week after week, season after season. It’s fantastic to hear Zara is now playing Bullant juniors.

It was also great to see one of my all-time favourites, Former First Lady Faye Ford was on the sidelines cheering on the Bullants with her daughter Sheree. And more broadly, it was terrific to see so many Junior players and parents enjoying the day. Craig ‘Crackers’ McMahon was in fine form!

Another thank you to former spearhead and quadruple premiership Bullant Peter Voglis, who came down last week to give some goal-kicking tips to one of our young guns.

As for the Senior game - what a comeback. Down, but not out at three-quarter time.

We charged. We drew level. It was unbelievable - so much ticker. For a Bullant on the hill with a cold tinny in hand, it was pure entertainment. We gave ourselves a chance. It didn't quite pan out, but there was real growth.

And Ted - well, he would have been proud of that effort. He would've simply said:

"Chin up boys, we'll get 'em next time."

In Other News - Congratulations to Matthew Agrotis, who recently joined Santino Paolucci as a Life Member across all three clubs. Senior Football, Junior Football, and now Cricket - a remarkable achievement..