Spirited Bulls win warrants apology

I need to issue an apology. It goes to the Harvey Bulls and those who (quite rightly) reminded me I had not only tipped against them before their 16-point victory over Carey Park on Saturday night, but had tipped them for the wooden spoon. Now, after a winless two years, they might still finish last so let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, but on Saturday night they were excellent. Often, a big upset can mean an awfully scrappy game. The less-fancied side might win fewer clearances and have fewer inside-50s but have an excellent quarter and then hold on for dear life. But there was none of this from the Bulls on Saturday night. They had the first five inside-50s, kicked the first three goals of the game, and they looked genuinely good. They did the flash stuff and the gritty stuff. As much as they took the game on when opportunities presented, and as good as Jacob Pickett’s footwork was, they also battled it out in the midfield and held their own down back. They won their fair share of ball from the source and were efficient with their forward entries, especially in the first half. It always helps having Brendon Jones on your side. The five-time Peel Thunder best and fairest winner sneaked forward for the night’s first goal but was impenetrable down back and gave them drive from defensive 50. Bradley Holmes could be quite the force this season as well if his first outing for the club was anything to go by. He was good below his knees, dominant in the air, and can kick them from all parts. As much as I am a neutral observer, I was so pleased for them. The two-year wait between wins encompassed some difficult times for the club, on-field turmoil and a tragedy, far beyond the way that term is used in a football context, with the sudden death of Bulls player Lockie Hernaman during a training session. This was their first victory since that night. If they play like they did on Saturday night a few more times between now and the end of the season, it is highly unlikely they will finish last. Bulls people know how much work they have done to get to this point, and have always been confident this season will be better than previous ones. Now I am, too.