Bulldogs overcome Koo Wee Rup in scrappy showdown

In an eagerly anticipated match, Phillip Island took on Koo Wee Rup, coming off a tightly contested game in their previous encounter.

Key players, Daniel Bourke and Daniel Pearce managed for the week to keep them fresh for the latter part of the season, the spotlight then turned to 18-year-old Zac Walker, who seized his opportunity in the number one ruck position.

Walker impressed from the outset, winning the first centre bounce and delivering the ball perfectly to Hayden Bruce.

Despite their dominance in clearances and inside 50s, Phillip Island struggled to convert their opportunities in the first quarter, ending with two goals and six points.

Jaymie Youle was a standout in the midfield, returning to top form, while Hayden Bruce continued his stellar season.

Bryce "Chompers" Hindhaugh was a driving force from the wing and Marcus Wright, the unsung hero, displayed excellent ball use and composure.

Captain Jack Taylor was relentless, outpacing his opponent and providing a strong forward presence.

By halftime, Phillip Island led 6.9.45 to Koo Wee Rup's 3.5.23.

The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter, restricting Koo Wee Rup to just one scoring shot.

Jesse Patullo's superb form continued with intercept marks and local talent Coby Olarenshaw dominated his one-on-one contests across the field.

As the game progressed, Phillip Island's superiority was evident, finishing as 46-point victors.

In a heartwarming story, Alex Duyker made significant strides in his fitness, showcasing his trademark marking abilities.

With this win, Phillip Island looks in prime form as they prepare to face Garfield next week.

Scores: Phillip Island: 2.6.18, 6.9.45, 9.12.66, 12.17.89. Koo Wee Rup: 1.2.8, 3.5.23, 4.5.29, 6.7.43.

Goals: Phillip Island: Jack Taylor - 3, Alex Duyker, Travis Woodfield - 2, Yianni Caffieri, Jordy Patullo, Billy Taylor, Max Walton and Jaymie Youle - 1. Koo Wee Rup: Nathan Voss - 3, Luke McMaster - 2 and Bailey Galante - 1.

Best players: Phillip Island: Jaymie Youle, Jesse Patullo, Hayden Bruce, Jack Taylor, Max Walton and Bryce Hindhaugh. Koo Wee Rup: Nathan Voss, Nathan Muratore, Seth Ohehir, Ethan McDonald, Zak Banks and Thomas Glen.

Reserves

Scores: Phillip Island: 17.17.119. Koo Wee Rup: 3.6.24.

Goals: Phillip Island: Nick Anderson - 4, Jack Keating, Tyce Kleverkamp, Brady Ross - 2, Kirby Fuller, Orlando Kane Gillard, Ryan Ladson, Thomas Macrokanis, Ash Salter, Ben Taylor and Blake Thompson - 1. Koo Wee Rup: John Ramos - 2 and Zane Stanton - 1.

Best players: Phillip Island: Orlando Kane Gillard, Jacob Patullo, Joshua Ryan, Jay Ladson, Ben Taylor and Tyce Kleverkamp. Koo Wee Rup: John Ramos, Matthew Drommel, David Ramos, Cooper Arthur, Lucas Pascoe and Jesse Cammarano.

U18s

Scores: Phillip Island: 16.11.107. Koo Wee Rup: 0.3.3.

Goals: Phillip Island: James Lewis, Max Tylor, Cooper Walton - 3, Sonny McMillan - 2, ChaCha Fischer, Jack Huther and Finn O'Brien - 1. Koo Wee Rup: Mack Brown, Seth Lawler, Ethan Neill, Jack Hughan, Jet Boswell and Nick Booth.

Best players: Phillip Island: Finn O'Brien, Cooper Walton, James Lewis, ChaCha Fischer, Max Taylor and Noah Forrest Mabilia.

Veterans

Scores: Phillip Island: 8.9.57. Warragul Industrials: 12.7.79.

Goals: Andrew Tolley - 2, Daniel McGinley, Nick Moltzen, Geoff Odgers, Mark Roche, Leigh Woolford and Anthony Young - 1. Best players: Rob Linford, Leigh Woolford, Geoff Odgers, Aaron Ransom, Mark Roche and Brody Bennett.