A win was within reach for the first time this season and showed just what the girls are capable of.

The game went down to the wire with a very strong fourth quarter pulling the game back into reach, but the clock won going down by three at the siren.

A call up to former Bulldog star Lawri Piera to continue her return from retirement and step up to B grade was the game changing move.

Lawri’s experience and leadership pushed our young side and new players to play at a new level.

It was a physical and skilful game on Saturday.

Abby McCaughan was liquid in goals, commanding the ball and moving with precision to own the space until she succumbed to injury.

Isla Cousins was everywhere feeding the ball to Meika White in goals again and again.

Defensively Ahlee Penry and Sophia Hungerford maintained unrelenting pressure on KWR until the final siren.

Next week the girls will get the win they deserve if they play like this again.

Best on court: Ahlee Penry and Sophia Hungerford.

Phillip Island: 33 def by Koo Wee Rup: 36.