Feathers fly as Bulldogs outclass Magpies - Seniors

For the TAC Safety round, players took to the field wearing a blue armband.

The bands serve as a remind that we all have a responsibility to drive safely and are in honour of every life lost on the roads.

Seniors

You could hear the smiles and sighs of relief on Saturday morning, with bright sunshine, clear skies and no wind greeting all at the Phillip Island Kennel.

Discussion as to whether this was the best day the weather gods had produced for the season resulted in a universal belief that it indeed was.

And so, the best weather of the season was ultimately destined to produce some of the best football for the season, but more of that Taylor-made outcome later.

With the local Magpies from Dalyston visiting, a competitive set of games beckoned.

Up again the seventh placed Dalyston desperate for a win to keep their finals hopes alive, the Bulldogs entered the match with a few enforced changes.

A couple of young guns in Jack Papas and Zac Walker from the Under 18s coming back into the side, looked good on paper.

The pre-game discussion led by Coach Pedersen saw the Bulldogs Under 10s join in.

Fantastic to see the enthusiasm of these future Bulldogs participating in the pre-game, with it clear they were perhaps a little more attentive than some of the senior players.

Ultimately the Under 10s were to play their own half time, as well as being part of the post-game activities. Great to see.

The first quarter was exactly what was expected.

The Magpies came out of the blocks strongly and with a couple of early goals, were leading halfway through the first quarter.

It took Daniel Bourke ripping a ball out of the ruck and kicking an inspirational goal (his second attempt, with the first being denied by his best umpiring mate) to kick start the Bulldogs.

Matt Jones, Max Blake, and Hayden Bruce also contributed, and the Bulldogs led by eight points at the quarter time break.

That was to be it for the Magpies.

It started with a stunning second quarter from the Bulldogs, who were to ultimately ram home 12 goals (and a single solitary point) from 20 inside 50s.

Captain Jack Taylor led what was a Bulldog tsunami, kicking five goals of his own, including three inside the first five minutes.

Max Blake took control and kicked three of his own, Jai Jordan a couple, and a bunch of other contributors in a superb forward display.

An eight-point lead transformed to 81 points in 30 minutes of almost perfect football.

The avalanche continued in the second half.

Ultimately the Bulldogs were to run out winners by a stunning 150-point margin (188 to 34).

Jack Taylor showed that he can play everywhere, finishing with 10 goals of his own and a best on ground performance.

Max Blake and Jack Papas were everywhere in the forward-line, whilst the Patullo brothers returned to something close to their best, working all over the ground as well.

The Bulldogs onballers had a day out, led by Hayden Bruce, Max Walton and Daniel Bourke with Jack Opitz contributing what would have to have been close to his best game as well.

And whilst the defensive unit has a less stressful day than usual, Daniel Pearce and Tarquin McMillan stood tall.

In the end, it was an outstanding outing against a team that is still in the hunt for those last finals slot.

A Taylor-made tune up for a couple of tough away games coming up against Warragul Industrials (sixth) and Cora Lynn (fifth) which will test the Bulldogs in the lead up to the finals.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.4.28, 16.5.101, 23.9.147, 29.14.188. Dalyston: 3.2.20, 3.2.20, 5.2.32, 5.4.34.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Jack Taylor – 10, Max Blake – 4, Daniel Bourke, Travis Woodfield –3, Jai Jordan, Jack Pappas – 2. Dalyston: Mason Storr, Hayden Wallis – 2, Jake Berry – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Jack Taylor, Daniel Pearce, Hayden Bruce, Daniel Bourke, Mark Griffin, Jordy Patullo. Dalyston: Curtis Murfett, Brayden Bowes, Cooper Smith, Michael Harris, Mason Storr, Ben Lewis.