ISLAND TAKE THE CHOCOLATES

Every year the side look forward to kicking off the season against the traditional rivals in the big Easter clash. New coach Chris Dallinger was pleasantly surprised when the teams were finalised on Friday night. The side was blessed with a wealth of senior experience that any Two’s side would envy.

The anticipation of a new season and a side blessed with talent meant the lads were bristling with confidence before the game. The quarter got off to a flyer with new player Kevin Taylor scoring within the first minute after an early clearance from the on-ballers. Kev was on fire early as he kicked three goals within the first five minutes of the game. Kilcunda-Bass matched this with two goals of their own to get the quarter off to a great start. The island managed to steady and go into quarter time with a two goal lead.

The Bulldogs began to assert their dominance in the second quarter and set about developing a match winning lead. Kade Murphy, was according to the new coach “as clean as mustard” and Matt Brown worked overtime in the ruck. At Matt’s feet were players like Jamie Robinson, Josh Turner and John Emery. The depth was becoming too hard for Kilcunda Bass to match.

Going into the third quarter the side started to get ahead of itself a little bit. Although they dominated possession they failed to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard. Some players became a little goal orientated and moved away from the team football that put them in the winning position. As a result the side kicked two goals six behinds, which was disappointing after an accurate start. Players like Lucas Piera and Trav Winder continued to run their opponents around.

The coach called for a more disciplined effort in the last quarter and to the players credit this is what he got. The players shared the ball around and made better decisions going forward. This resulted in seven unanswered goals and highlighted a style of footy capable at this level. Remo Hancock chipped in with a couple in the last and by the final siren Kev Taylor had six majors to his name in a fine effort. The Island had winners all over the ground and look forward to building on this win over the season.

In the end the Bulldogs ran out comfortable winners- 20.16-136 to 4.3-27. 

Phillip Island 20.16-136 def Kilcunda Bass 4.3-27

Goal Kickers: K. Taylor 6, J. Robinson 3, A. Hancock 2, L. Murdoch 2, K. Murphy 2, J Turner 2, R. Linford, L. Piera, T. Oke
Best Players: K. Taylor, T. Oke, K. Murphy, J Emery, T. Winder, J. Robinson