Hard nut Bull inspires win

Josh Krispyn and Patrick Italiano put in game-winning fourth quarter performances to lead the Harvey Bulls to a 24-point win over Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at Brunswick Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Krispyn was moved from the forward line into the midfield in the final term and helped the Lions turn a three-point deficit into a 9.10 (64) to 5.10 (40) victory.

The former Bulls captain won a number of clearances in the final term to set up his forwards, while Italiano kicked two of his four goals for the game in an excellent performance.

Both teams struggled to gain momentum for long periods of time during the game, until the Bulls booted five final quarter goals to the Lions’ one to finish the match.

The previously undefeated Lions started strongly, captilising on a number of Bulls turnovers to kick the first two goals of the game through Jack Strand and Brock McCormack.

Rodney Shemeld kicked a late goal to give the Bulls some consolation for the term, which they turned into momentum in the second quarter.

Italiano put in a massive quarter, kicking two goals to give the Bulls the lead, while Brett Lofthouse and Brendon Jones worked tirelessly in defence to keep the Lions goalless for the term.

Lions recruit Jesse Crichton had an excellent game, with the former Fremantle Docker and East Fremantle midfielder’s skills a cut above the rest. Crichton was helped by captain Jack Quinn who was strong in the contest, while rebounding defender Jordan Sell was at his best across half back.

These trio improved their output in the third term and once again the Lions were in front, kicking the only two goals of the third quarter.

Without Kristin Thornton, who was missing because of a calf injury, the Lions were unable to turn their midfield dominance into goals, with Lofthouse taking a number of strong intercept marks.

With the game on the line at the final change, Bulls coach Paul Fimmano pulled some big changes, including sending Krispyn into the midfield, while putting forward Ryan Nye one-out in the goal square across from defender Thomas Quaife.

This proved to be a match-winning strategy, with Nye booting three goals.