Bulldogs overpower Stars in scrappy contest

MANY changes again for the Bulldogs this week. 

Experienced defenders Damien Holmes and Jason Tomada were joined by Tarquin McMillan in the backline, whilst Cameron Brown and Jack Papas returning to the forward line, the latter after an unfortunate vehicle accident saw Noah Bee-Hickman a late withdrawal. Jack Opitz returned to the seniors as well.

Still fielding eight players under 21, the youthfulness of the Bulldogs was offset by the Garfield Stars with many young players making up their improving list.

The Bulldogs took the spirit of the occasion to heart, offering our ‘Pink’ matchday footballs for the Breast Cancer support day – an offer whole-heartedly accepted by Garfield.

In perfect conditions at the start, the game was to be competitive all day, with the young Stars pushing the Bulldogs in all aspects. With the pink ball flying, it looked as though the Bulldogs were finding the ball slippery and difficult to handle, the opposite of the Stars who seemed far more assured with their ball movement.  

After an early arm wrestle, the Bulldogs were able to gain more forward presence and penetration. With Max Blake dominant, and Jack (twinkle toes) Taylor dancing through the forward line and goaling, the Bulldogs hit quarter time with a 21-7 lead.

The ruck rotations of Pedersen, Bourke and Jai Jordan took over in the second, feeding the midfield being led by Hayden Bruce and causing a lot of problems for the Garfield defence. Goals early in the second to Pedersen and Jai (after a wonderful interception from a Garfield kick-out) were the highlights until Max Blake stepped up with a strong mark and goal from 50. 

The Stars wouldn’t give in and found a goal with a strong mark from Lachie Spinks and things tightened. Then some more Taylor magic – this time from Billy Taylor – and the Bulldogs entered the half time break 49-17 up.

After something of a lecture from coach Pedersen on ground at half time, the Bulldogs started even more slowly, with Lachie Spinks stepping up for his second, and a difference of just 26 points. 

Suddenly something clicked for the Bulldogs. Max Blake hit the goals and then back man turned forward Mark (Griffo) Griffin took a couple of great marks – the first of which was kicked like a back-man, but then a beautiful goal conversion following soon after. 

Ben Taylor showed that dancing feet ran in the Taylors line, resulting in a goal! Cam Pedersen continued dominating, Bryce Hindhaugh stepped in, and Daniel Bourke put the final nail in the third quarter coffin for the Stars. A 92-23 lead at three quarter time seemed fair.  

The last stanza opened with a typical Victorian winter weather blast. The Bulldogs managed to kick a couple more goals, whilst the Stars were able to maintain their consistency with a single goal, thereby scoring a goal in every quarter.