An epic final encounter between the two top sides of the season ended in disappointment for the Christchurch Bulldogs, unable to get the better of a rejuvenated Eagles side in perfect conditions for the 2015 CAFL Grand Final at Northwood Oval.
Conceding a big early lead to the Eagles, who were kicking with a slight breeze in the first quarter, proved to be costly, as Kyle Smith and his resilient Doggies fought hard all game to bridge the gap.
The big men of the Eagles were too good in the marking contests, getting numbers behind the ball to repel forward surges as often as they were sent in. Bulldogs Full Forward and 2015 Best and Fairest, Dale Stevenson, fought valiantly all day as the main target up front and was helped by first year gun, Chris ‘Boer’ Burnett.
The midfield battle between opposing captains, Kyle Smith and Josh Robles was evenly shared, with the difference being Eagles ruckman and Best on Ground Richie ‘Dickatino’ Heazlewood’s all over ground coverage.
Big wins during the season over a strong Eastern Blues side and a midseason blitz of the Eagles were the Doggies defining moments of season 2015. At full strength, the top three sides were very evenly matched and a narrow loss for the premiership indicates that it was always going to be tight.
A losing Grand Final doesn’t typically yield many positives, but in a rebuilding year the outcome and the manner in which the new and old players combined was a credit to the club as a whole. The fight back and determination (and post Grand Final awards ceremony and season ending celebrations) were the strongest indication that the Bulldogs will be a force in 2016 and beyond.
On the day, the Mid-Canterbury Eagles proved themselves to be the best footy team, but together in defeat, the Bulldogs put up a serious challenge for the best footy club.
Wayne Sullivan
Photo credit: Track Images
caption: Sully takes a "standard Sully" mark on Grand Final day
Last Modified on 03/11/2015 09:36