Dismal conditions can't stop the Seniors

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.

Seniors

With the Bulldogs firmly entrenched in second place on the WGFNC ladder, the Panthers were likely to be up against it if they were to enhance their finals chances.

Sitting in eighth position and needing to enjoy their sixth win of the season, the Panthers were to lose some key players before the game.

In what proved to be a very one-sided contest, the Bulldogs were able to flex their muscles playing a free-flowing game despite the conditions.

Running out victors by 123 points was at the top end of expectations set by the coaching group prior to the game.

Midfielder Hayden (Pencil) Bruce started the game as he left off last week, dominating the possessions and ripping the Panthers apart in the mid-field. His form has been outstanding over several weeks now, continuing to bring others into the game at will.

His young offsider Max Walton matched his skills and intensity and came along for the ride, providing enormous drive through numerous clearances.

The Bulldog’s defence was a standout as well.

The only blemish on a near perfect effort coming in the third, with the Panthers only goals resulting from a couple of interesting(!) double-50m penalties in the third quarter.

Jason (Sauce) Tomada returning to his best form following a slow start to the season, combining with the experience of Damien Holmes and Daniel Pearce, the youthful skill of Tarquin McMillan, the Bulldogs defence is forming up very nicely as the finals loom.

The Bulldogs forward line functioned efficiently and effectively in the poor conditions.

Pleasing signs was the best return to date from recruit full-forward Jai Jordan, as well as excellent returns from Max Blake and coach Pedersen.

A total of 11 goal kickers for the game illustrated the ability of the visitors to share the scoring, bring team-mates all over the ground into the play.

Matt Jones had his best game of the season, setting up teammates at will.

In the end, it was an excellent outing against a team that pushed the Bulldogs hard earlier in the season.

For the Panthers, some more work to do before being able to push the Bulldogs and making the finals for 2023.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.3.27, 11.5.71, 14.10.94, 21.14.140.
Kilcunda-Bass: 0.2.2, 0.4.4, 2.5.17, 2.5.17

Goals:
Phillip Island: Jai Jordan – 4, Max Blake, Cameron Pedersen – 3, Jack Taylor, Max Walton – 2.
Kilcunda-Bass: Anthony Daraio, Dale Gawley 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Hayden Bruce, Cameron Pedersen, Max Walton, Matthew Jones, Jack Taylor, Mark Griffin.
Kilcunda-Bass: Nathan Foote, Bradley Aldwell, Daniel Mock, Sam Watson, John Mentiplay, Benjamin Eddy