In a game that had the Phillip Island faithful on the edge of their seats, the Reserves team staged an unforgettable third-quarter blitz to defeat the Cora Lynn Cobras in what can only be described as a football masterclass.
The final score of 81 to 34 was a testament to Phillip Island's dominance, especially during a spectacular third quarter that saw them leave the Cobras in the dust.
The match started with both teams testing each other's defences, but it was Phillip Island who struck first, finishing the opening quarter with a slight edge, 21 to 13.
The Cobras, determined not to be outdone, fought back in the second quarter, managing to keep the scores close with only three points separating the sides at halftime.
But as the teams returned to the field for the third quarter, something clicked for Phillip Island Bulldogs.
What followed was nothing short of a football clinic, as the Reserves delivered an offensive onslaught that Cora Lynn simply couldn't handle.
The Islanders piled on an incredible six goals in the third quarter, stretching their lead from just three points to a commanding 40 points by the quarter's end.
Leading the charge was Nick Anderson, who was in unstoppable form, adding five goals to his tally and proving to be a constant thorn in Cora Lynn's side.
Anderson's precision in front of goal and ability to find space where none seemed to exist were crucial to Phillip Island's surge.
Not to be outdone, Brady Ross also put on a stellar performance, matching Anderson's goal count with five of his own.
Ross' relentless pressure and sharp shooting kept the Cobras' defenders scrambling, and his efforts were rewarded as he helped to widen the gap between the teams.
In the midfield, Thomas Macrokanis was a standout, delivering a best-on-ground performance that saw him dominate the clearances and provide countless scoring opportunities for his forwards.
Macrokanis' work rate and decision-making under pressure were instrumental in Phillip Island's third-quarter blitz, and his efforts didn't go unnoticed by the cheering crowd.
Jack Keating and Brayden Kleverkamp also contributed to the scoreboard, each adding a goal and playing pivotal roles in maintaining the Islanders' momentum.
Kleverkamp's presence around the ground and Keating's ability to link up play were key factors in keeping Cora Lynn scoreless in the third quarter.
Defensively, Connor Thompson was a rock at the back, shutting down Cora Lynn's forward thrusts and ensuring the Cobras had no easy path to goal.
Thompson's efforts, combined with a disciplined defensive unit, kept Cora Lynn to just four goals by the final siren, highlighting Phillip Island's complete dominance across the field.
With this win, Phillip Island's Reserves now move onto the semi-final next Sunday against Inverloch-Kongwak at Bass Recreation Reserve.
Scores: Phillip Island: 3.3.21, 4.6.30, 10.7.67, 12.9.81 Cora Lynn: 2.1.13, 4.3.27, 4.3.27, 5.4.34
Goals: Phillip Island: Nick Anderson, Brady Ross - 5, Jack Keating, Brayden Kleverkamp - 1. Cora Lynn: Matthew Ferguson - 2, Josh Arena, Luke Foreman, Corey Smerdon - 1.
Best Players: Phillip Island: Thomas Macrokanis, Nick Anderson, Brady Ross, Connor Thompson, Brayden Kleverkamp, Jack Keating Cora Lynn: Dylan Ross, Corey Brook, Jake Boccari, Josh Arena, Sam Black.