Young Bulldogs set to shine in Grand Final after impressive win over stars

Heading to Dalyston on Sunday for the preliminary final against Garfield, the young Bulldog entered the game having played their opposition just once for 2023, with a tight six-point loss back in Round 11.

In that game, a slow start was the kicker, so a quick start was needed.

An outstanding address from coach Huther at the pre-game was enough to get all the supporters up-and-about, and it was to work wonders on the team.

Fresh from that stirring address, the Bulldogs took over from the outset.

Beginning in the first quarter with a couple of goals the boys headed into quarter time 13-0 up.

Captain Finn Cashman again leading from the front, ably assisted by ever-reliable Beau Davies and Kohen Beaumont repelling every attack from the Stars.

The second saw the Bulldogs extend their game dominance.

Again, it was the Bulldogs  defence that was outstanding, repelling all Stars attacks.

Blake Olarenshaw was outstanding, whilst Tamar Nihver was providing excellent drive.

A couple more goals to the Bulldogs, and an outstanding first half scoring four goals four and holding the Stars scoreless, and a 28-point lead.

A bit like what happened in the previous week, the third saw a complete turnaround, with the Stars coming out hard, and the Bulldogs having something of a break.

After goals to both sides early, the Stars really came hard pushing the Bulldog defence at every turn.

Oliver Hibbert on the ball was outstanding for the Bulldogs working hard against the flow, but the Stars were able to slot three for the quarter, and much tighter 12-point margin at three quarter time.

With the opposition kicking to the  scoring end , it was time for the Bulldogs to step up.

An early goal to the Stars closed the margin to less than 10 points, but it was the Bulldogs led by Oliver Hibbert, Noah Muller, Darcy Thompson, Lucas Chithotski, Captain Cashman, and the returning Jack Johnston who stood up when it counted.

A late Bulldogs goal, and a final margin of 17 points seemed about right, with an excellent all-round effort from the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs enter the big Grand Final against Inverloch next week full of running.

After three excellent pressure-packed finals wins, the boys are primed to put in a big last game for 2023.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 2.1.13, 4.4.28, 5.5.35, 6.9.45. Garfield: 0.0.0, 0.0.0, 3.4.22, 4.4.28

Goals:
Phillip Island: Jack Johnston   2, Daniel Caffieri, Noah Muller, Leo Savona, Zac Walker   1.
Garfield: Cam Jenkins   2, Levi Reid, Jake VanDen Berghe   1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Beau Davies, Kohen Beaumont, Darcy Thompson, Noah Muller, Oliver Hibbert, Finn Cashman.
Garfield: N/A