By Josh Ward
Overview:
It was a superb season by the Bulls, following a disappointing period between 2017 & 2019, going from seventh to second in 2021.
Having finished with a record of 6-12 in 2019, they won 80% of their games this year, finishing 8-2 and only winning percentage behind minor premier Vermont.
They had stars everywhere across the field, with three making the Premier Division TOTY (along with coach Steve Hughes) and five making the squad. The only way is up for Noble Park, and they’ll be back to challenge the likes of Vermont yet again in 2022.
Best Win: Round 3 vs South Croydon (Noble Park 9.9.63 defeated South Croydon 8.8.56)
Coming off a loss against Vermont and with South Croydon raring to go after a massive ANZAC Day win at Morton Park, it wasn’t going to be easy for the Bulls to get the win over the Dogs at Pat Wright Senior Oval.
However, it was Noble Park who proved that they were no pushover, getting a second win of 2021 against the formidable – and more fancied – South Croydon.
It was the superhuman Kyle Martin who shone on the day, acquiring 37 disposals, 19 contested, 15 clearances and eight inside 50’s. Jackson Sketcher also got 31 disposals, 19 contested, 11 clearances and seven inside 50’s.
It started a hot streak for Noble Park, going on to win their next three games and only losing one more game for 2021 after that.
Worst Loss: Round 9 vs Balwyn (Noble Park 11.12.78 defeated by Balwyn 17.11.113)
Having won their last four before the COVID forced break and with Balwyn having lost three of its last four after their round one thriller at Vermont, it was the Tigers that shocked the Bulls and induced a second loss for them in 2021.
The Tigers started off quickly and finished off quickly, scoring a combined 82 points in the first and last quarter, with the Bulls only scoring the 10 points in those quarters to lose by 35 points at Balwyn Visy Park.
It wasn’t all that bad for Noble Park though, with Martin having one of his best games in 2021, getting 45 disposals, 25 contested, 13 clearances, 10 inside 50’s and two goals.
However, it was a big blow for the Bulls in their push for the minor premiership, with Jeff Gobbels, Jake Sticca and Charlie Haley combining for 10 out of Balwyn’s 17 goals.
Standout Player: Kyle Martin
There’s no going past the man who dominated the season and was one of the most fancied to take home the prized Chandler Medal.
Former Collingwood man Martin shone in midfield for Noble Park, averaging 33.2 disposals, 9.4 clearances, 7.9 inside 50’s, 15.7 contested possessions and 171.3 ranking points per game.
During the season he had three 40+ disposals games and had a 50-disposal game vs North Ringwood. Whilst he may not have won the Chandler Medal he remains the marquee player in the Eastern Football Netball League, if not the state.
Offseason Plans:
Now Noble Park we’re pretty much flawless across midfield and down back, with all five players in the TOTY coming from either midfield or defence. But one problem they still have is down forward.
Yes, they could kick a winning score thanks in part to only conceding 62.8 points per game, but they still only scored 78.3 points per game (fourth best), just under 15 points per game less than No.1 Vermont (93.1 points per game).
If the Bulls want to take it up to the Eagles next year and challenge for a fifth EFNL senior premiership, they must bring in at least one or two forwards and now is the time to do it, with Martin, Sketcher and co still at the peak of their powers.