Kilcunda-Bass fight hard against Tooradin

Seniors

The underdog had bite on Saturday afternoon at Tooradin as Kilcunda-Bass celebrated a meaningful four-point thriller over Tooradin-Dalmore, the club's first ever win over the Seagulls since the two clubs became opponents in 2019.

A four goal to one first term by the new look Panthers who came to play in the first term, showed all watching that the boys from Hade Avenue are here to make noise throughout this season.

Goals to young guns Ash Grenness and Owen Thomas in the opening quarter ignited teammates and created a feel that the future is bright for this group.

Tooradin-Dalmore brought the heat also, pulling their way back as an experienced powerhouse club does, making for a tough and exciting second period. The Panthers held onto a 10-point lead at the main break, thanks to a goal on the half time siren from boom recruit Travis Tuck, the first of his three for the afternoon, which included the winner inside the last two minutes of the contest.

Killy-Bass had their noses in front for most of the third quarter, but a couple of missed opportunities kept Tooradin-Dalmore right on their tail giving the impression that the Seagulls might come home strong with a slight breeze in the last. But as the tension and atmosphere peaked in the final term, it was the Panthers who fought to hold on and come out on top in an exciting day for the club.

New Panthers Joseph West, Jayden Goumas, Jayden Graham and Travis Tuck were instrumental all day, along with already star panthers Nathan Foote, Cam McKenzie, Dale Gawleu and Dean McRae who booted three majors.

Could a gun core group of players now with an even spread of experience across the board and not to mention some seriously good teenage talent, lift the Panthers to taking more big scalps and maybe finals in 2024?

Reserves

Killy-Bass knew Tooradin had a strong side and had given the team a fair few beltings over the years.

Tooradin got the jump and kicked the first three goals. Killy-Bass improved their tackling in the second term and felt they were in the game at half time, however Tooradin proved to be strong.

Sammy Watson played a great game, Finn Homer and Crawf cracked in four quarters, Jack Rosenow got plenty of the ball, and Gus and Johnny were strong in defence.

U16s

The boys had another tough game on their hands, coming up against some big opponents.

To their credit, they fought out the game well, outscoring Tooradin in the third quarter. Killy Bass' pressure around the football and their tackling skills are proving to be a recognisable strength in the first two games.

Numbers are still a challenge and on Saturday they were extremely lucky and appreciative to have five Phillip Island boys put their hands up to play on a special permit for the day.

With junior football numbers continuing to be an issue throughout the state, this sort of help from neighbouring clubs is great to see. Thanks to the Phillip Island Football Club and the boys this week and last week for putting their hand up.

Best players: Charlie Fisher (PI), Blake Eden, Sam O'Garey (PI), Riley Eden and Hayden Power.