A victory for persistence best exemplified the Northern Bullants’ five-point win over Coburg at NAB Oval Preston at the weekend, with David Teague  commending his players for weathering a spirited challenge from the opposition.

With the Tigers kicking with a final quarter breeze uncharacteristically favouring the market end, the Bullants were subjected to sustained pressure, but ultimately prevailed to the contentment of the Coach.

“We probably didn’t play our best footy, but we’ve been in a couple of games like that where we’ve lost, so it was good to see us get over the line,” Teague said.

“It was really pleasing to see the boys fight the game out and finish with a victory.”

Earning praise from the coach were Robert Warnock and Shaun Hampson, together with Jarrod McCorkell and the team’s reigning best and fairest David Ellard, who returned to the team after a welcome weekend’s break. Brad Fisher, in his comeback match 14 weeks after suffering a serious knee injury, also earned special praise.

“It’s amazing the way he’s got back,” Teague said. “He deserves credit for how hard he’s worked, he played well and he pulled up well. There’s nothing worse than being part of a football environment and not being able to participate, and it was good for him to just get out there.”

The Bullants players had displayed great intensity in the opening term, but seemed to fall away in the second. Enter little big man Ellard, who booted three goals and singlehandedly inspired his teammates with what Teague said was “his desire and conviction when it comes to tackling”.

Northern Bullants
6.2 | 8.5 | 12.7 | 16.9 (105)
 
Coburg Tigers
3.0 | 8.4 | 12.6 | 15.9 (99)
 
Northern Bullants
Goal Kickers: A. Saad 3, D. Ellard 3, B. Fisher 2, J. McCorkell 2, R. Kerr, T. Thomas, A. Woods, S. Grigg, R. Warnock, A. Arrowsmith
Best Players: D. Ellard, J. McCorkell, A. Iacobucci, A. Saad, S. Hampson, S. Grigg

Coburg Tigers
Goal Kickers: M. Morton 4, J. Post 4, J. Lawton 3, S. Piuselli 2, T. Taylor, R. Jordon
Best Players: J. Post, A. Browne, N. Carnell, J. Morgan, M. Morton, S. Power