Seniors
The "battle of the bridge" was upon us. In recent years the two teams had been a lopsided affair. Come 2024 and Kilcunda Bass has recruited heavily and knocked off Tooradin for the first time since the West Gippsland competition started.
Phillip Island was forced to make four changes, losing the experienced Youle, Aaron Harris, Daniel Pearce and crafty forward Travis Woodfield.
Once again, the island looked to its strong Seniors and U18s list.
Yianni Caffieri and Zac Walker lined up for their second games of the year, along with Cooper Walton (debut), Tyce Kleverkamp (debut) and Finn O'Brien (Gippsland Power) - the island team was full of young talent.
Right from the first bounce it was evident Daniel Bourke was the dominant ruckman of the day, he was towering above last year's league medallist Dale Gawley.
Bourke was feeding his midfielders, with the Bruce brothers and Max Walton showing superior skills.
Bass had come to play with big name recruit Travis Tuck throwing his weight around. Killy Bass were thrusting the ball forward but being repelled by Cooper Walton, Mark Griffin and Coby Olarenshaw.
In a tight tussle the first quarter finished Kilcunda Bass 19 to Phillip Island 13.
Coach Pedersen addressed his troops and pointed out Bass' attacks on the centre half forward - this would open up opportunities to counter in the second.
Stand up Jesse Patullo, the intercept king who was aided by the dashing Kai Mackenzie. Phillip Island changed gears and Bass were unable to keep up; in a blink of an eye the island had poured on seven goals.
Bass were stunned and they tried to stem the flow, but Phillip Island lifted its intensity. Half time approached and the island had put a nice five goal gap in the game, leading 60-31.
Intensity
In a seesawing battle both teams came into the third where the game went up a notch.
Connor Thompson and Joshua Ryan were being active in the forward line, both chasing and tackling. Zac Walker and Finn O'Brien were starting to take contested marks around the ground.
A competitive quarter brought the scores up, Phillip Island 80 to Kilcunda Bass 52.
The Panthers however, were still in striking distance - step up the Taylor brothers, Billy (five goals) and Captain Jack (two goals).
Charlie Bruce and Hayden Bruce were putting their superior fitness and speed to good use and along with Bryce Hindhaugh (two goals), Phillip Island put the game out of reach.
Come the end of the final quarter, it was a competitive and exciting game that showcased the depth the island has.
Congratulations to Hayden Bruce on being awarded the Anzac medal, and the Phillip Island young brigade for their exceptional contribution.
Scores: Phillip Island: 2.1.13, 9.6.60, 12.8.80, 17.10.112. Kilcunda Bass: 3.1.19, 5.1.31, 8.4.52, 9.7.61.
Best players: Phillip Island: Hayden Bruce, Charlie Bruce, Billy Taylor, Yianni Caffieri, Jack Taylor and Zac Walker. Kilcunda Bass: Travis Tuck, Nathan Foote, Jed Rosenow, Lachlan Burns, Anthony Daraio and Thomas West.
Goals: Phillip Island: Billy Taylor - 5, Hayden Bruce - 3, Charlie Bruce, Bryce Hindhaugh, Jack Taylor - 2, Joshua Ryan, Zac Walker and Max Walton - 1. Kilcunda Bass: Travis Tuck - 4, Anthony Daraio - 3, Dale Gawley and Dean Mcrae - 1.
