Second week of the finals for the Bulldogs this week, with the Seniors and Under 16s competing for entry straight through to the Grand Finals in two weeks-time.
Unlike the previous week, the weather gods smiled on the Saturday – perfect springtime conditions in the sunshine and hardly a breath of wind at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve.
With the Seniors coming up against Tooradin-Dalmore – with what is approaching arch-rival status – and the Under 16s taking on undefeated Inverloch-Kongwak on their home ground, exciting footy was expected.
Seniors
Both teams spilt the home and away fixtures against each other during the home and away season and a large crowd filled the ground to see who would progress through to the Grand Final.
The Bulldogs pressure in the first quarter was a sight to behold.
Billy Taylor kicked the opening goal, but it was the ferocious tackling and contested ball that had the Island on top.
The intensity allowed Cameron Brown and Max Blake to kick goals to take an 18-point lead into the first change.
The intensity continued in the second quarter.
Jordy Patullo kicked a superb goal from the boundary to extend the Bulldog lead.
Tooradin worked their way back into the game in the remaining period, kicking two quick goals and trimming the Island half time lead to 12 points.
The third quarter saw Tooradin work their way back into the game.
Jason Tomada and Kai McKenzie, were working tirelessly in defence and the midfield of Cam Pederson, Brendan Kimber and Eli Richards were taking it to the Seagulls.
A five-goal quarter from Tooradin was trimmed to a nine-point deficit thanks to a great team goal finished by Jesse Patullo right before the three-quarter time siren.
The final quarter saw momentum see-saw in the early stages but ultimately Tooradin kicked a further five goals to run out winners by 37 points.
The Bulldogs will now prepare for a must-win preliminary final clash to be played at Dalyston next weekend.
Scores:
Tooradin-Dalmore: 0.2.2, 3.4.22, 8.4.52, 13.4.82.
Phillip Island: 3.2.20, 5.4.34, 6.7.43, 6.9.45.
Goals:
Phillip Island: Billy Taylor 2, Jordy Patullo 2, Cameron Brown, Max Blake.
Tooradin-Dalmore: Brady Egan 3, Xavier Shinners 2, Matthew Livermore 2, Stewart Scanlon 2, Steven Robb, Brett McAffer, Liam Adams, James Tresize.
Best Players:
Phillip Island: Jason Tomada, Cameron Pedersen, Brendan Kimber, Kai Mackenzie, Eli RIchards, Jack Taylor.
Tooradin-Dalmore: Lewis Hill, Matthew Livermore, Brad Butler, James Trezise, Blake Grewar, Brady Egan.
