Dismal conditions can't stop the Reserves

Off to our closest neighbours in the WGFNC this week, with the short visit to Bass against the Panthers.

After a close to perfect week of weather, the weather gods misaligned yet again with the forecast or rain – but mercifully no wind – to prove correct again.

Reserves

A more settled lineup for the Bulldogs reserves, with just a couple of changes from last week.

A stand-out inclusion was 2018 senior’s premiership player Jarrod Witnish, along with young gun Jack Papas back from injury.

The opposition was not quite as settled, moving from near forfeit on Friday night to a team put on the park, thanks to a bunch of the Kilcunda-Bass Veterans team.

Even the president was one of the players kitting up for the game!

It was to be a tough day for the Panthers, with goals being few and far between, whilst the Bulldogs peppered the goals all day, beginning with that aforementioned 2018 premiership player running into the open goal and hitting the post from point-blank range.

He was to have a good day though, scoring two goals and finishing the day on the ball.

Another to have a good day was returning ball magnet Jack Papas.

Estimates from the Bulldogs faithful had close to 40 possessions by half time, as Jack had the ball on a string, putting his hand up for senior selection really soon.

Other youngsters were to lead the charge for the Bulldogs.

Tom Niven back from the seniors was superb all day, Tully Dickie his normal skilful self, and Coby Olarenshaw standing out.

All these boys showed they are well and truly ready for some more senior footy.

The ‘old guard’ of the reserves were not to be outdone though. Dean (General) Blake showed he is back with purpose, with Veterans Rocket Rod McKenzie and club stalwart Robbie Linford blending experience with all the youthful skills.

Of course, coach Nicolaci led from the front as well.

In the end, a victory 21.15 (141) to 1.2 (8) was a fair reflection on an excellent performance from the reserves.

The boys look to be building well for the finals and could cause some real issues come September.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 6.4.40, 12.8.80, 18.11.119, 21.15.140.
Kilcunda-Bass: 1.0.6, 1.1.7, 1.2.8, 1.2.8.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Harry Anderson, Tully Dickie – 4, Jett McMillan, Jack Papas – 3, Thomas Niven, Jarrod Witnish – 2.
Kilcunda-Bass: William Campbell – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Jack Papas, Saxon Mau, James Nicolaci, Tully Dickie, Coby Olarenshaw, Thomas Niven.
Kilcunda-Bass: William Campbell, Adam Banks, Dan Leary, Christopher Lacey, Jordan Osborne.