Demons exorcised at the kennel

Seniors

With three players returning to the starting line-up for the seniors – Billy Taylor from injury, and Max Blake and Amp; Orlando (Noosh) Kane-Gillard back from various non-football commitments – the

Bulldogs team looked better balanced than those fielded in the last couple of weeks.

The Demons certainly brought the heat from the opening bounce, and for the first 15 minutes of the game more than matched the Bulldogs.

The ball bounced between defences for the first period, with the first goal finally being scored by the Bulldogs Cam Brown (his first of two for the quarter) 14 mins in.

The Patullo-two were back to their best and teaming up, whilst the Demons were being more than capable led by Matt Voss and Zak Banks.

After that initial first goal, the floodgates were to open for the Bulldogs, who took the heat out of the Demons from that moment on.

Billy Taylor showed his absolute class - back from injury having barely being able to train – weaving his way through the Demons mid-field as if they were standing still.

Combined with exquisite ball delivery, he was able to bring fellow returnees Max Blake and Noosh into the game early.

The Bulldogs first half nailed what was to be a comfortable win in the end, with a four goal first quarter followed up by an excellent eight goal second, to lead 78-1 at half time.

The defence – led by captain turned centre-half-back Jack Taylor and a superb display of half-back football from Kai McKenzie – was able to repel all Demon attacks.

In the mid-field, the young guns Max Walton, Daniel Bourke and Jack Opitz dominated, giving some of the more experienced mid-fielders a welcome break.

The Demons came out to play after half time, with gun forward Jason Wells briefly able to get off Coby Olarenshaw’s iron leash for a couple of goals early in the third.

Coach Pedersen was not to be outdone as he stepped up for a couple of goals, and the third ultimately wound out with three goals to two and an 85-point lead to the Bulldogs.

The last continued the trend of the day, with Max Walton continuing to reign supreme in the middle, bringing a bunch of small forwards into the game including Jack Papas who bobbed up for a couple of fantastic, snapped goals.

Bryce Hindhaugh showed his class on the wing combining with Jordy Patullo, providing much needed speed and delivery into the forward line, whilst the backline’s elder stateman Damien Holmes continued to lead the defensive efforts.

All in all, a 104-point win was an excellent result for the Bulldogs against opposition that are stronger than their position on the ladder would suggest.

An excellent tune-up for a vital match away against ladder-leaders Inverloch-Kongwak next week, where the Bulldogs must win to hold onto second spot and that vital double chance.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.1.25, 12.6.78, 15.7.97, 20.11.131
Koo Wee Rup: 0.1.1, 0.1.1, 2.2.14, 4.3.27

Goals:
Phillip Island: Cameron Pedersen – 4, Cameron Brown, Jack Papas -3, Max Blake, Daniel Bourke and Billy Taylor -2.
Koo Wee Rup: Jason Wells -3 and Adam Amin – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Jordy Patullo, Cameron Brown, Jack Opitz, Jack Papas, Kai Mackenzie and Bryce Hindhaugh.
Koo Wee Rup: Matthew Voss, Zak Banks, Luke McMaster, Nathan Muratore, Jason Wells and James Lucas.