The season is over for the Northern Bullants, Carlton’s VFL affiliate side, after a five-point defeat in the elimination final on Saturday. The Bullants finished eighth and as could only happen in the VFL, had to travel to Casey to play the Casey Scorpions on the Scorpions home ground in a final.

In a close match all day, the Bullants, who trailed by nine-points at the main break had a good third quarter on the scoreboard and led by 11-points at three-quarter time. During the third quarter the ‘Ants added three goals four while restricting the Scorpions to just two behinds. Unfortunately Casey, with the wind swinging around in its favour in the final term came home a little stronger kicking four final quarter goals to the Bullants two to run out winners by less than a goal.

Captain/Coach David Teague was once again inspirational all game and was the Bullants leading goalkicker with three. Teague has been outstanding in his role with the Bullants and also with Carlton as a Development Coach and there is no doubt the success of the role with the improvement of both his VFL team and many of the young Carlton players in 2008. His assistant Matthew Lappin kicked two goals and his role on the ground with the young players in the VFL has been invaluable. Similar to Teague, Lappin has been very successful combining his role with the Bullants and his Development Coach duties with Carlton.

Other goalkickers on Saturday were: Gianfagna two, Ackland, Saddington, Bannister, Joseph and Hartlett all one. Among the best players, as selected by the media, were Carlton listed players Anderson, Armfield, Blackwell, Saddington and Hartlett.

A review of the Bullants’ season, including a CFC TV interview with David Teague will feature on the carltonfc.com.au this week.