Seniors - Round 19 (7^th August 2010)
Phillip Island v Foster (Home)
View Current Ladder and Results

The Alberton Football League match of the round was at Cowes this week, with Phillip Island playing host to the undefeated Foster. The game began at a frantic pace with pressure applied by both sides resulting in many turnovers and little scoring. The ball travelled from end to end on many occasions before Foster goaled to gain a slight advantage. The Island backline was working overtime, with Mann a vital inclusion, nullifying the Tiger’s dangerous Eddy, and Z.Vernon matching Bartholomew. A pause in scoring resulted due to the tight contests all over the ground, before Weir kicked the Island’s first in time on to give the home side the smallest of leads going into the first break.

Q-time score: Phillip Island 1.3.9 - Foster 1.2.8

Foster came out after quarter time and showed why they are the premiership favourite, increasing their inside 50 entries and creating scoring opportunities. This put the Bulldogs on the back foot, and although their endeavour had not waned, skill errors allowed the Tigers to attack from the turnover and catch the Island defenders off guard. C.Dykes and S.Docherty offered plenty of run for the Island off half back, linking up with players up the ground. The hard work by the backs and mids resulted in another goal to Weir which was shortly followed by a goal to Guilmartin. B.Vernon was having a big impact on proceedings, showing his exquisite skills and covering loads of territory. Once again, play tightened up and as a result the scoreboard stopped ticking over. The siren sounded and little separated two of the league’s premiership contenders at half time.

Half time score: Phillip Island 3.3.21 - Foster 3.6.24

The match continued as a spectacle after half time, with the Bulldogs once again matching the Tigers. Terlich gave his all for the Island, throwing his body under packs and laying several heavy tackles. Z.Vernon ran rampant off his opponent giving the Island rebound, whilst Daff contested hard in the ruck. Despite the efforts of the Island side, they were unlucky to miss a few goals, while on the other hand, Foster capitalised. The Bulldog’s backline stood up this week against arguably the best forward line in the competition, with every defender doing their part. The Island were falling down across half forward and two goals towards the end of the quarter to Foster hurt. Although down on the scoreboard, there was a feeling at the ground that the Bulldogs were well and truly in this match at 3q time.

3q time score: Phillip Island 3.9.27 - Foster 6.9.45

The Phillip Island Bulldogs came out after the final break fired up which resulted in two quick goals via Daff and Richardson. The Tigers could only reply with behinds, as every possession and turnover became more and more important. B.Vernon was inspirational, willing his teammates on as the momentum was all with the Bulldogs. A great snap goal from McDonnell cut the difference to within a point and gave the local crowd plenty of voice. Foster managed to get the ball forward and record a behind, before the Island continued to push forward and run hard into attack. Stock’s work on a wing was instrumental in the home side’s comeback and Z.Vernon continued to shine. The siren sounded with the ball in the Bulldog’s hands streaming towards the forward 50 in a shattering loss for the home side. There are many positives to take out of this game as the Island matched the undefeated Foster side and showed they are a genuine premiership contender.

Seniors: Phillip Island 6.10-46 lost to Foster 6.12-48

Phillip Island

Goal Kickers: J. Weir 2, B. Richardson , S. McDonnell , T. Daff , J. Guilmartin
Best Players: Z. Vernon, C. Dykes, J. Mann, S. Docherty, B. Vernon, C. Terlich

Foster

Goal Kickers: S. Everington , D. Vandyke , J. Best , J. Stevenson , T. Bartholomew , S. Hawking
Best Players: S. Hawking, M. Aabryn, S. Mills, B. Rooney, D. Granger, D. Langstaff