Lyrebirds claim grand final rematch
Buln Buln has kicked off its Ellinbank District football premiership defence with a comfortable victory over an undermanned Neerim-Neerim South in the grand final re-match, 14-11 (95) to 9-7 (61).
Patrick Ireland proved a handy addition as the story of the day for Buln Buln, flying under the radar of the addition of Cam McPhan somewhat as he marked well on his way to finishing with six majors.
Entering the contest missing up to five key players, the Cats showed their best football might still stack up in a blistering six goal third term that brought them back within nine-points after trailing by as much as 41-points.
Neerim-Neerim South entered the match with Matt Roberts playing reserves on the comeback trail from injury, Luke Kinder injured, Matt Edwards, Rhys George and Chris Charles unavailable.
Talented juniors Kai Mounsey and Kyson Cornwall made their debut, while Josh White made his return from a knee injury.
The Cats were steadfast in their plans to play Chris Urie up around the ball but may need to review as aside from the third term blitz, they struggled to score.
Both sides put players behind the ball early, determined not to concede the opener.
Jake Baker converted as he was tackled to break through as the Lyrebirds headed into the first change with the first two goals, the likes of Brock Dorling and Tom Muir defending well for the Cats.
Jeremiah Jones broke through for the Cats with an ugly kick, only for Will Battley to finish a run of three consecutive goals to open a handy buffer for the home side.
Jones scored his second from a juggling mark, only for Ireland to respond through a strong one handed mark early in the third term.
Not done, the Cats went on a third term charge inspired by Kody Wilson, who kicked two of the next three punctuated by a debut goal for Mounsey.
Tyssen Morrow ran into the open goal before a strong mark in the goal square from Wilson closed the margin to nine points.
Declan Bagot had started to have some influence in the ruck with Dean Stringer and Ashley Lockett also coming to the fore.
A sensational conversion from 45 metres on the boundary by Ireland broke the momentum as a much-needed steadier.
Two costly free kicks against the Cats saw Ireland put through his fourth and Trent Baker convert from the pocket.
Eddie McGillivray sharked the tap to cap a frantic 35-minute term as the Lyrebirds arrested the momentum to head into the final change with a lead of 22.
Trent Baker, Matt Gray, Sam Batson, Nathan Tutton and coach Bob McCallum helped Buln Buln step up in the key moments.
An unchecked Reece Campbell put through a long goal before the Lyrebirds just about put the result beyond doubt, stretching the margin beyond five goals.
A 50-metre penalty allowed White to convert from the top of the square before Ireland fittingly finished off with his sixth.