New Northern Bullants Senior Coach Darren Harris said he was pleased with the way in which his team followed the pre-determined gameplan during the side’s opening round fixture with the Bendigo Bombers on the weekend.

After a slow start, the Bullants took control after quarter time with the margin 76 points in their favour by the final siren.

“We had a real focus of taking risks in the game and being bold and I thought that we just continued to do that,” said Harris.

Key contributors to the win were opportunistic small forward Ahmed Saad with eight goals and Carlton’s international rookie Zach Tuohy, who gathered 35 possessions out of the back pocket.

The Bullants fielded a side featuring 16 Carlton-listed players, allowing them to be more effective in carrying out many of the structures used by their AFL affiliate.

This season, the VFL team features a particularly good mix of experienced players and first-year players, including weekend debutants Wayde Twomey, Mitch Carter and Andrew McInnes.

Indeed, the level of depth at the Bullants is already creating pressure at the Carlton selection table.

Harris admitted to pre-game nerves before his first match as Senior Coach.

“It’s good to get that one out of the way,” Harris said. “I really am enjoying coaching and being in front of a group, being creative within a game and taking control. It’s good fun and it’s what I love doing.”

Round two of the VFL sees the Carlton-Collingwood rivalry played out at reserve grade level, with the Bullants hosting the Magpies at Visy Park on Saturday.

Northern Bullants 19.11.125 def Bendigo Bombers 6.13.49
Northern Bullants
Goal Kickers: A. Saad 8, L. Casboult 4, L. Henderson 2, R. Kerr 2, W. Twomey , J. McCorkell
Best Players: A. Saad, Z. Tuohy, A. Iacobucci, A. Collins, J. McCorkell