Bulldogs Seniors end three-year drought against Nar nar Goon
The Bulldogs produced one of their best performances of the season.
Looking to extend their winning streak and cement their place inside the top four, Phillip Island welcomed ladder leaders Nar Nar Goon to the Kennel on Saturday in a clash that lived up to expectations.
The Bulldogs produced one of their best performances of the season, defeating the competition leaders by 15 points to record their first win over Nar Nar Goon in three years.
The game was fiercely contested from the opening bounce, with just one point separating the sides at quarter-time. Phillip Island then gained the upper hand in the second term, taking a hard-earned five-point lead into the main break.
The third quarter was another tough battle, with only three goals kicked. Nar Nar Goon edged in front after kicking two goals to one, carrying a narrow two-point advantage into the final change.
When the visitors kicked the opening goal of the last quarter to extend their lead, the Bulldogs refused to panic. Despite missing a couple of opportunities in front of goal, Phillip Island lifted when it mattered most, kicking five of the final six goals to claim a memorable 15-point victory.
Captain Jack Taylor led from the front with three important goals, while Yianni Caffieri delivered in the big moments, kicking two crucial final-quarter majors. Hayden Bruce, Mark Collison and Max Walton were influential through the midfield, and Finn O'Brien provided plenty of drive from half-back with his run and ball use.
The win was made even more impressive by the Bulldogs' youthful line-up, with 10 players under the age of 21 taking the field. Their pressure, composure and ability to finish strongly against one of the competition's benchmark sides highlighted the exciting future of the club.
The victory further strengthens Phillip Island's position inside the top four ahead of another tough assignment this weekend.
Score: Phillip Island 11.10.76 def Nar Nar Goon 9.7.61.
Best: Jack Taylor, Hayden Bruce, Mark Collison, Max Walton, Finn
O’Brien and Yianni Caffieri.
Goals: Jack Taylor 3, Billy Taylor, Yianni Caffieri 2, Max Walton, Jay Ladson, Finn O’Brien and Oliver Duggan 1.
