The Island proves too hot to handle for the Demons - Seniors

On a spectacular sunny May Saturday, the Bulldogs ventured up the road to Koo Wee Rup to take on the Koo Wee Rup Demons for Round five.

Arriving at the ground without a breath of wind (a rare occurrence indeed), with the oval in superb condition, an exciting day of county football beckoned.

The second away game introduced a larger ground, so the new game style of the Bulldogs likely to be tested in the wide-open spaces again!

Seniors

Pre-game saw the presentation of the famous No 31 jumper to debuting young-gun Tom Niven, fresh up from last years Under 18s and some excellent reserves footy.

A wonderful speech from that professional speaker Andy Walton – is there any of the team that hasn’t been coached by Andy one wonders – revealed Tom being the fourth generation of Nivens to represent the mighty Bulldogs.

Combined with Jack Papas returning, and Under-18-gun Zac Walker into the side, a significant youth injection for the Bulldogs.

Quarter one began in beautiful sunshine, and it was soon clear that the boys from Koo Wee Rup had come to play.

The usual firm of Cam Pedersen, Hayden (Pencil) Bruce and Eli Richards led the way for the Bulldogs.

Jason Wells was showing his class in the forward line for the home team, testing the combined skills of Alex Duyker, Sauce Tomada and Tarqs Macmillan who were tested to keep things even.

Zac Walker was repelling attacks regularly from defence, and with Jack Papas, Max Blake and Bryce Hindhaugh goaling, the scores were a close 27-22 at the quarter time break.

The locals continued to be competitive, and after an early Bulldog goal, the locals pushed hard and evened things up with an excellent goal.

Mid-way mark saw the margin still within 10 points, and some concern from the Bulldogs bench.

Some changes to personnel saw Pedersen head to full forward, which saw the beginning of the Daniel Bourke and Pencil show.

Taking over in the middle, young Bourkie was able to direct the ball to his on-ballers at will and the Bulldogs took charge.

Goals to Trav Woodfield and coach Pedersen saw the Doggies up 60-31 at the big break.

For the first part of the third, the locals fought hard. Captain Cammarano took the bull (and some bulldogs) by the horns and led the charge and the Voss boys stepped up, with early goals going to the Demons.

But then that Bourkie and Pencil show resumed – aided and abetted by a sublime performance from Daniel Pearce, in concert with Eli Richards and Max Walton.

The Bulldogs surged with goals from coach Pedersen, captain Taylor and Trav Woodfield amongst others.

Ball movement from end to end on several occasions also resulted in goals, and a 97-40 lead at three quarter time.

The last quarter saw continued clean ball movement, switches, and precision kicking across the field.

Captain Taylor took over completely wherever he was on the ground, coach Pedersen doing as he pleased and Trav Woodfield continuing his way.

The locals clearly tired as the final progressed, offering relatively little resistance.

The Bulldogs finally running out clear winners by 82 points.

So, it appears that the question posed at the beginning of the day has an early pointer.

The Bulldogs of 2023 are playing a game style that – when executed as directed by coach Pedersen – suits the wide-open spaces on the larger grounds even more than in 2022.

An exciting ride beckons for the rest of the year!

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.3.27, 9.6.60, 15.7.97, 20.9.129.
Koo Wee Rup: 3.4.22, 4.7.31, 5.10.40, 6.11.47.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Cameron Pedersen 5, Travis Woodfield 4, Max Blake, Jack Papas, Jack Taylor – 2.
Koo Wee Rup: Luke McMaster, Nathan Voss, Jason Wells – 2.

Best Players: 
Phillip Island: Daniel Pearce, Daniel Bourke, Max Walton, Hayden Bruce, Damien Holmes, Jason Tomada.
Koo Wee Rup: Nathan Voss, Mitchell Cammarano, Matthew Voss, Timothy Miller, William Battams, Fletcher Mcmillan.