Nyora dominates as it leaves Bulldogs in a muddy pit

NYORA Saints held off a late charge from Bunyip to record a hard-fought 17-point victory at Bunyip Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon, in round 13 of the Ellinbank & District Football League.

The Saints stormed out of the gates, dominating possession and territory to pile on 4.5 (29) in a blistering first quarter, while holding the Bulldogs scoreless. Lucas Lee and Will McGindle were instrumental in the early surge, with slick ball use and relentless forward pressure.

By half-time, Nyora had opened up a 36–18 lead, although Bunyip started to claw their way back through goals to Jeb McLeod and improved midfield intensity. The Saints’ back six held strong, with Dylan Heylan and Lachie Fievez marshalling the defence and repelling repeated entries.

The third quarter proved decisive. Nyora piled on four majors, including back-to-back goals from McNiff, and Caleb Kristani on the boundary line, extending the lead to 38 points at the final change.

Despite inaccuracy in front of the goal (9.8), the Saints’ superior ball movement and defensive setup put the game seemingly beyond doubt.

But Bunyip wasn’t done yet. Led by Jason Williams (three goals) the Bulldogs launched a gutsy final-term comeback. They peppered the goals, adding 3.5 in the final quarter while Nyora managed just two behinds. However, the deficit proved too much to overcome for Bunyip and with a spirited midfield performance from Lee and Jordan Anderson, and Dante Di Pietro holding up the ruck, it was Nyora’s day.

Nyora’s Tyler Kirkbride was influential throughout the match, while captain Dylan Heylen provided consistent leadership through the middle. Callum McNiff finished with four goals in a standout performance up front.

“It was nice to get a few players back from injuries and holidays,” Sam Dixon noted after the match. 

The win keeps Nyora firmly off the bottom of the ladder this season, while Bunyip will rue a slow start and missed chances late in the game.