Wasteful Hoppers fall short of big dance

Though on this occasion, North Bendigo executed a touch better than the Hoppers, starting in the first quarter when it booted four goals to two, leading 28-16 at the first change.

In the second term Colbo produced more scoring shots than the Bulldogs, but its early deficit still marginally increased by the half-time break.

Inaccurate goal-kicking meant Linton Jacobs’ side only recorded 1.5 in the quarter to North Bendigo’s 2.3, trailing 3.9 (27) to 6.7 (43) at the main break.

Colbo held the Bulldogs to 2.3 again in the third, which was also its best attacking period of the day.

Despite cutting the margin at three-quarter time to only seven with three majors, the Hoppers again rued inaccuracy as a further six behinds accompanied the goals.

Jacobs’ side was unable to shake the yips in the fourth and, in a reverse of the third, went goalless in the final period.

Colbo would only register 0.3 while North Bendigo kicked clear with another two majors, culminating in a 10.12 (72) to 6.18 (54) win for the Bulldogs.

It’s the second year in a row the Hoppers have fallen to North Bendigo at the preliminary final stage.

The Bulldogs will now face Mount Pleasant in a repeat of the 2025 grand final when the Mounts triumphed by five points.

Meanwhile, Colbinabbin continues to be close with no cigar in its HDFL premiership bids.

The side has now recorded three preliminary final losses and an elimination final exit across the past five seasons.