Bulls rebound to down Saints in last-gasp win

Mt Barker produced a stunning final term to come from behind and win a memorable Southern Districts Junior Football Association under-15s premiership over Saints at Tigerland on Saturday.

The Bulls trailed by 16 points at three-quarter-time and it could have been even more if not for a late third-term goal from forward Sebastian Ballard.

Livewire Arthur Jones kicked a brilliant goal early in the final term after weaving his way through heavy traffic and the ball remained locked in the Bulls’ half after that major.

As time began to run out, the Bulls found a much-needed goal as Josh Davenport reduced the margin to three points.

In the dying stages, Bulls’ Tristan Ballard marked strongly and nailed his 40m set shot to put his side miraculously in front.

The Saints, however, mounted one last foray forward and Corey Jerrard had the last shot at glory, but his kick was off target as the Bulls prevailed in a thriller by two points.

Gun Bulls midfielder Jye Williss was awarded the Ben White Shield as the best player on the ground in his side’s famous victory, 6.5 (41) to 5.9 (39).

Jones was also superb for the victors, winning several vital clearances in the second half and kicking two goals, while Tristan Ballard also finished with two majors.

For the Saints, Levi James-Wallace was terrific across half back and was joined in the best players by Carsen Flower and Donovan Geddes (two goals) and the silky Jeremy Bobby (two).

Earlier in the under-13s grand final, the Eagles capped an impressive season with a 40-point win over the Bulldogs.

The Eagles led by 13 points at half-time and extended that margin to 20 points by the final change before booting four goals in the last stanza on their way to victory, 7.12 (54) to 2.2 (14).

Harper O’Donnell was sensational in the win and was named best on ground, while teammate Ryan Lazar also won plenty of the ball.

Malachi Stanton was the Bulldogs best contributor in the loss.