Catani runs over Buln in final half
The home side did their job in the early stages of the game, with five goals in the first term and another five in the second quarter. Catani by comparison started slowly with just 22 points on the scoreboard by the time the main break came around. At halftime, the Blues trailed the Lyrebirds by 41 points.
But it was in the second half of the match that saw Catani explode. The Lyrebirds kicked the first goal of the quarter but from there it was downhill. Catani blew them away, kicking six goals one in response. The Blues added 37 points in that third quarter alone — the Lyrebirds added just 7.
The fourth quarter gave spectators something to watch. The Lyrebirds put another four majors up, the Blues added six goals and two behinds. When the dust settled a look to the scoreboard would reveal Catani had won by just three points, 97 to 94.
The Blues’ Bradley Adams was major contributor to the win. A mid-game decision to put him in the backline after a stint in the forward pocket was a stroke of genius from coach Sein Clearihan. His touch count bordered on outright leather poisoning and teammates said his presence down back was crucial to their success on the day.
Star midfielder Paul Pattison was best on ground for the Blues. His scored two majors at crucial points in the game. Bradley Adams walked away as second best on ground, helped by his influential goal. Liam Adams, Brett Williams, Daniel Barrand and Cody Banbury also made important contributions.
For the Lyrebirds it was Matthew Gray who was the best player on the day, his four majors not quite enough to overcome a team effort from the visitors. Luke O-Brien, Trent Baker, Sam Langford (who kicked three goals), Charlie Park (who kicked one) and Jake Pierrehumbert were also influential.
The result sees Catani leap into the top spot on the ladder while Buln Buln drop two places to seventh.
Catani will play Nilma Darnum at home on Saturday. Buln Buln take on Neerim Neerim South at Neerim South.