Not trailing from the opening bounce until the final siren sounded, the match was shrouded with controversy as the Pioneers were awarded a free kick at the top of the goal square as time expired due to the competition’s density rule.
For those who are unsure of the density rule, it is effectively similar to the AFL’s six-six-six concept where a certain amount of players need to be in each zone on the field at every restart.
Gifted the free kick, Tongala’s Harley Reid would duly convert from the top of the goal square, handing the Pioneers a 5.15 (45) to 5.11 (41) victory.
The Bushies’ fourth straight loss to end the home and away season, regional talent lead Mick Wilson said the result was a tough pill for the boys to swallow.
“We had a good start, but really failed to capitalise on those opportunities, allowing Bendigo to work its way back into it,” Wilson said.
“In the end they got over the line in pretty controversial circumstances and it was disappointing that ended up deciding the game, but we still had our opportunities before hand to sew up the result and didn’t.”
The Bushies got on top early courtesy of an excellent first quarter, kicking three unanswered goals to open up a handy 17-point buffer.
But as the day went on, the Pioneers slowly wrestled back ascendancy, with poor kicking cruelling the home side which in the second and third terms produced a return of 1.8.
This allowed the Murray boys to maintain their lead for the entirety of proceedings up until three-quarter time, with the returning Brayden George making his presence felt up forward before being taken out of the game at half-time as he continues to manage a knee injury.
Leading by 23 points at the final change, it appeared they were destined for victory, having kept Bendigo to one goal in the first three quarters.
But the home side managed to find another gear, finally turning those scoring opportunities into majors, to kick four straight goals and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Wilson explained what he thought went wrong in that final period.
“They got on top through the midfield and just kept driving the ball into their forward 50,” he said.
“They capitalised on their opportunities better than we did in that last quarter and just ran us off our feet.
“Overall, though, it was a game we probably should have won.”
In terms of Goulburn Valley exports, George, who hails from Tatura, impressed on his return, kicking a goal and having eight disposals in the first half.
While Shepparton Swans livewire Joeve Cooper was also instrumental with 19 disposals across half-forward.
As a result of the loss, the Bushies will now have to travel to Melbourne for an away final against Sandringham this weekend, instead of playing the match at home which would have occurred had they won.
“The disappointing part in regards to the result is that we lose a home final and now play Sandringham in Williamstown which is frustrating,” Wilson said.
“As a team we face some very significant challenges in terms of travel, so it would have been nice to get a bit of reward given we do around three times more travel than any other team.”
