Bulldogs took full control - Reserves - PI vs Dalyston

A trip to our close neighbours Dalyston beckoned, with the expectation of a much closer and competitive competition this year.

Competitive in all grades, with the Magpies sitting well in finals contention in all grades, the Bulldogs were well prepared for a close and tough encounter for all games.

Reserves

With a couple of wins on the board, the Magpies were expected to provide some stiff competition for the Bulldogs Reserves.

Several notable ins for the Bulldogs – including Jai Jordan and Jack Papas from injury (and the seniors), Ben Taylor back from the seniors, Saxon Mau and Darcy Saw back in, with Nerrim legend Nick Humphrey for his first Bulldogs game.

Bulldog legend Rocket McKenzie received a last-minute call up, and the Bulldogs entered the game with a full 22-man list.

Nick in particular was especially keen, perhaps a little too keen, unfortunately pulling a quad muscle in the last minute of the warmup.

Back to 21.

The first saw the Bulldogs establish control from the first bounce.

Saxon Mau continued his upward trend in the ruck, feeding the strong mid-field team of Noah Bee-Hickman, Coby Olarenshaw and Ben Taylor who took complete control.

Orlando (Noosh) Kane Gillard and Jack Papas led the forward brigade, whilst Jett McMillan led a strong defence.

A lead of 26-8 at the first change was just reward.

The second was highlighted by further injuries for the Bulldogs, with Saxon Mau and Cooper Logan being ruled out from further involvement in what was becoming a very tough contest.

With the bench down to rotations of one, the match tightened up.

Two goals each in the second, and a 43-20 lead looked a little precarious with the injury count.

In the third, the undermanned Bulldogs really stepped up.

In the middle, Jack Papas took complete control in the forward line, and Tyce Kleverkamp continued his stellar improvement playing a great game.

Will Macrokanis strong in defence – continuing his own incredible improvement – was ably supported by Leon Matthews.

The Bulldogs took complete control scoring five goals to one, and a lead of 76-26.

The final turned into a dour affair, as the impact of the limited bench rotations took its toll on the Bulldogs.

Jai Jordan moved into the ruck for the last and began to show why the Bulldogs were so excited by his recruitment at the start of the season.

An even final quarter resulted in an 85-32 score line, and a strong win for the Bulldogs.

Scores:
Phillip Island: 4.2.26, 6.7.43, 11.10.76, 12.13.85. Dalyston: 1.2.8, 3.2.20, 4.2.26, 5.2.32.

Goals:
Phillip Island: Jack Pappas – 5, Harry Anderson, Tyce Kleverkamp – 2, Orlando Kane Gillard, Benjamin Strong and Ben Taylor – 1.
Dalyston: Stewart Beaumont – 2, Tyson Andrighetto, Darren Gardiner and Jake Gheller – 1.

Best Players:
Phillip Island: Jack Papas, Orlando Kane Gillard, Will Macrokanis, Coby Olarenshaw, Noah Bee-Hickman and Tyce Kleverkamp.
Dalyston: Benjamin Robinson, Mitch Hewitson, Zachary Storry, Stewart Beaumont, Tyson Andrighetto and Jesse Orchard-Moore.