Island wins nail-biter against Tooradin

Seniors

In a thrilling contest, Phillip Island emerged victorious against Tooradin by a slender five-point margin.

The Bulldogs came out firing in the first quarter, setting the tone early.

Despite the loss of Youle to a tight hamstring, the return of Damien Holmes and Aaron Harris bolstered the backline significantly.

By half-time, Phillip Island looked strong, having only conceded six scoring shots.

However, Tooradin rallied in the third quarter, slotting five goals to the Bulldogs' three, narrowing the lead and setting up an exciting final term.

In the fourth quarter it was anyone's game. Tooradin jumped out with two quick goals to take the lead.

Phillip Island showed grit as Zac Walker marked and goaled to keep them in contention.

Max Walton then made a significant impact by winning a contested ground ball, but his momentum was halted as he slammed into the turf and was unable to take the free kick.

The ever-reliable Billy Taylor stepped up and took the free kick in Walton's stead, remaining cool, calm and collected to slot a goal and level the scores.

Refusing to stay sidelined, Walton demanded to return to the field.

With two minutes left, the scores were level.

Tooradin intercepted a mark at half-forward and attempted to play on quickly, but a bad bounce saw Walton swoop on the ball and release it to Jesse Patullo who slotted a goal on the run from outside 50.

With one minute remaining, the Bulldogs strategically placed two players behind the ball.

Tooradin won the centre bounce and kicked forward but the ball went straight to the spare Bulldog defender.

A stoppage ensued, leading to a free kick for Tooradin with five seconds left.

As Tooradin lined up for a shot to tie the game, the ball faded for a point securing a dramatic five-point win for Phillip Island.

The Bulldogs' victory against another grand final contender boosts the belief in this young group's potential, showcasing their resilience and growing confidence.

Scores: Phillip Island: 3.4.22, 5.7.37, 8.9.57, 11.11.77. Tooradin-Dalmore: 0.2.2, 3.3.21, 8.3.51, 11.6.72.

Best players: Phillip Island: Charlie Bruce, Daniel Pearce, Max Walton, Hayden Bruce, Jesse Patullo and Cooper Walton. Tooradin-Dalmore: Adam Oxley, Matthew Buntine, Brad Butler, Connor O'Riordan, Piva Wright and Cooper Shipp.

Goals: Phillip Island: Jesse Patullo, Billy Taylor - 3, Zac Walker - 2, Yianni Caffieri, Jack Taylor and Travis Woodfield - 1. Tooradin-Dalmore: Cooper Shipp - 5, Piva Wright - 2, Johnny Duff, Panos Papas, Stewart Scanlon and Xavier Shinners - 1.