Reserves take close win against Garfield

A visit to the ‘MCG’ of the West Gippsland FNC on Saturday didn’t disappoint.

The ground at Garfield was its usual magnificent self, completely defying all the recent rain, revealing a surface that was just perfect.

A great day of country football beckoned, despite the significant differences between the teams on the relative ladders.

The Garfield FNC were also working hard to raise awareness and funding for Breast Cancer Australia, with special attire for the netballers and pink socks for the footballers.

A great cause that the Bulldogs were more than happy to support wherever possible.

Reserves

Six changes in the Seniors meant the ranks of the Reserves were further depleted for the clash against eighth placed Garfield.

With four of their own injuries, numerous Senior players missing and tough match for the Under 18 reducing the numbers available, the Bulldogs called on the services of Dads army to take on the Stars.

In stepped Todd Cleeland, Rob Linford, Kevin Taylor, Luke Glossop, Daniel McGinley and Jeremy Van Stripj to fill the void – adding to the experience of Dean Blake and the recently recalled Daniel Larsson.

The Bulldogs started well, with Jett McMillan stepping into the ruck role, and coach Nicolaci elusive in the mid-field. Kirby Fuller was a welcome addition to the backline – back from several weeks on the sidelines – and he held the defence together as the Stars attacked. Harry Anderson was elusive again in the forward line, and the Bulldogs led by 30-16 at the main break.

Tyce Kleverkamp stepped up in the third, as well as young gun Darcy Saw and assistant coach Kev Taylor. Nevertheless, the Stars matched the Bulldogs with a bunch of their younger kids performing admirably and keeping them in the game with a 13-point margin at the final change.

To the credit of the Stars, they continued to press in the last.

Coming home hard, they managed to penetrate the tight defence of the Bulldogs despite the continuing efforts of Todd Cleeland and Kirby Fuller.

Robbie Linford showed he is still capable of winning the hard ball again and again, and in a desperate final 15 minutes the Bulldogs were able to hold on for a one-point win.

Entering the bye round sitting a solid fourth on the ladder, and with an expected influx of returning players against Tooradin, there is plenty to look forward to for the Bulldogs.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 3.5.23, 4.6.30, 7.7.49, 8.8.56.
Garfield: 1.1.7, 2.4.16, 5.6.36, 8.7.55.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Harry Anderson, Dylan Susic, Kevin Taylor – 2, Dean Blake, Luke Glossop – 1.
Garfield: Liam Reid – 4, Tyler Constantine – 2, Jack Salan, Riley Youssef – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Todd Cleeland, Kirby Fuller, Darcy Saw, James Nicolaci, Jett McMillan, Kevin Taylor.
Garfield: Liam Reid, Riley Youssef, Tyler Constantine, Matthew Bow, Jason Pisa, Oliver Whibley.