The clash with ladder leaders Wonthaggi, was held at the Doggies’ home ground and the Island weather certainly showed up.

Wind for the west, wind from the east and not an uncovered head was sighted in the crowd.

The Doggies had some big outs, so it was always going to be a tough ask.

The first quarter was off and racing and both teams battled hard.

Some good opportunities pushing the ball forward were had, but the Doggies had trouble converting.

Heath Bowen moved well and managed some good chances, but Wonthaggi moved the ball well out of the backline, so a game was afoot.

Strong ruck work by Hayden Power and good defence work by Cub Cantwell, Lewis De Fazio and Kai Cashman had the Doggies still in it at the break.

The second quarter saw a shift in the game.

Wonthaggi came out strong and kicked away.

The kids battled hard with Al, Sammy O and Joe Kelsy linking well in the backline and Zane Matthews, Angus McLure and Marley Cabello doing their best pushing the ball forward, but they were under siege.

The third was much the same unfortunately.

Jesse Mochetti, Bryce Lawrence and Harvey Strachan linked well together pushing the ball forward, but the Doggies couldn't capitalise.

It was a tough game.

At the start of the last, Hayden came off injured and changes were made.

Henry Dean, Levi Addison and Flynn Dengerink battled hard in the centre with some good plays, but Wonthaggi were too strong.

The kids battled hard to the end and never dropped their heads.

Wonthaggi by a few.