Bulldogs flex muscles to outclass Panthers - PI Vs KB Seniors

After pouring rain all day Friday it was expected the Kennel would be somewhat muddy for the arch-rivals clash between Phillip Island and Kilcunda-Bass.

Somewhat surprisingly, Saturday dawned bright and sunny with a good wind, just perfect for drying out the ground!

Without the Under 16s clash this week due to the visitors unable to field a team for 2023, the ground received a break with no game until 10.30am.

Perfect for the weather gods to continue to dry the ground out, resulting in all games taking place in amazingly good conditions.

So, the surprises began for the day before a ball was bounced.

Seniors

Pre-game saw a couple of changes to last week’s team, with Daniel Bourke and Damien Holmes coming back in something almost akin to father and son!

No other changes on the day, so at least no surprises there.

But surprises were to continue!

After an even start the visitors took early control, dominating through the mid field, putting the Bulldogs’ defence under enormous pressure.

Goals to Anthony Daraio and Taylor Gibson got the Panthers going, and then all of a sudden, these two gentlemen stepped up again, and surprise, surprise, it was the Panthers leading with four goals whilst the Bulldogs were still appreciating the sun!

Up stepped captain Jack Taylor for the home team, being instrumental in goals to Max Blake (21 mins) and Jesse Patullo, and the Bulldogs were back in it, 26-15 down at the first break.

The second opened with a freakish goal from Daniel Pearce that looked like it was kicked from 70m out, and the game tightened.

In stepped man-mountain Alex Duyker who took over in defence repelling attack after attack from the visitors.

Then up stepped the next surprise – everyone’s favourite umpire took over awarding free-kicks and 50m penalties galore to keep everyone guessing!

With goals to Jesse Patullo from the boundary line, Brendan Kimber and Max Walton, the Bulldogs took over, answered by a goal from nowhere by Dale Gawley from the visitors.

Half-time saw the Bulldogs in front 49-33.

In the third, The Bulldogs took complete control.

Forward pressure was up, ball delivery improved, and goals came from everywhere.

Trav Woodfield stepped up for a couple, Max Blake for a couple, and the lead ballooned.

The Panthers fought back with Nathan Foote, Lochlan Scott and Taylor Gibson determined to stop the run.

All in all, eight goals to three in the third saw the Bulldogs up 100-53 at the last break.

Not sure what happened in the last, as the Bulldogs went from irresistible to unattractive, whilst the Panthers reasserted control.

It took seven minutes to see any score in the quarter, with numerous forays forward resulting in comical turnovers for both sides until Anthony Daraio decided enough was enough and snuck a couple through, giving the visitors a surprising chance to get back into the game.

It took until 23 minutes in for Kai Mackenzie to range up from defence to put through a sealing goal for the Bulldogs.

A final scoreline of 116-66 flattered the overall performance from the Bulldogs, with the Panthers putting up stern resistance for most of the day.

Both the Phillip Island Football Netball Club and the Kilcunda Bass Football Netball Club competed for the esteemed Garry Todd Medal, which is awarded to the best player on the ground.

Garry, a remarkable and exceptionally talented player, had a significant impact on both clubs, and his family members, who are still actively involved, continue to demonstrate the same level of dedication that Garry did.

Congratulations to Nathan Foote from Kilcunda-Bass who was recognized by the umpires as the deserving winner of the prestigious medal.

Next week we head to the resurgent Dalyston, the Bulldogs will need to step back up a level to continue their winning ways.

Let’s see what surprises next week can bring!

Scores:
Phillip Island: 2.3.15, 7.7.49, 15.10.100, 17.14.116.

Kilcunda-Bass: 4.2.26, 5.3.33, 8.5.53, 10.6.66.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Max Blake – 3, Mark Griffin, Jordy Patullo, Travis Woodfield – 2.

Kilcunda-Bass: Anthony Daralo, Taylor Gibson – 4, Dale Gawley, Daniel Starling – 1.

Best Players: 
Phillip Island: Alex Duyker, Damien Holmes, Jack Taylor, Mark Griffin, Cameron Brown, Jason Tomada.

Kilcunda-Bass: Lochlan Scott, Bradley Aldwell, Benjamin Eddy, Sam Watson, Anthony Daraio, Nathan Foote.