Thurgoona Bulldogs celebrated a narrow victory against Beechworth Bushrangers in an exhilarating elimination final held at Sandy Creek on March 31, 2024. The Bulldogs triumphed by a mere six points, marking their first finals win in six years.
The match was a tense battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. At the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs held a slim seven-point advantage. As the match progressed, the Bulldogs increased their lead to 11 points deep into the final moments. However, a remarkable kick from Bushrangers’ forward Lachie Armstrong brought the margin down to five points with less than a minute remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With just 57 seconds left on the clock, the Bulldogs secured a clearance, but a shot from Todd Miller narrowly missed, leaving the score at six points. The Bushrangers quickly advanced, and Cam Fendyk took a mark approximately 40 meters from the goal, directly in front. As the final siren approached, Fendyk prepared for a set shot that could have sent the match into extra time. However, his attempt was touched on the goal line, resulting in jubilation for the Bulldogs and heartbreak for the Bushrangers.
Bulldogs’ head coach Daniel McAlister praised his team’s resilience, particularly given they played the last ten minutes a man down after Adam Elias received a yellow card. McAlister remarked, “If anyone was going to kick a goal like that under immense pressure, it would be Cam Fendyk. I was getting ready for five minutes each way to get a result.” He acknowledged the quality of the match, suggesting it deserved an extended play due to its intensity.
The Bulldogs’ victory was not solely reliant on luck; it was a testament to their hard work since the preseason began in October. McAlister highlighted the determination of his players, saying, “We knew Beechworth would never lie down in that last quarter. They are such a resilient club with a top-end midfield that never gives in.”
Several players made significant contributions to the Bulldogs’ performance. Tyson Neander led with over 30 touches, showcasing exceptional quality throughout the match. The Howard brothers, Mat and Cody, added speed and flair from half-back, while young talent Linc Hardy impressed in the ruck. Charlie Williams provided essential support at stoppages, and Blair Osmond scored three goals, including a standout soccer-style goal late in the third quarter.
For the Bushrangers, Fendyk and Tom Cartledge stood out, both delivering strong performances on the pristine Sandy Creek field.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will face Chiltern in the first semi-final next Sunday, as they aim to build on their thrilling victory and continue their finals campaign.
