Bulldogs unleash a kennel rampage

UP AGAINST the 7th-placed Dalyston desperate for a win to keep their finals hopes alive, the Bulldogs entered the match with a few enforced changes.

The pre-game discussion led by Coach Pedersen saw the Bulldogs Under 10s join in. Fantastic to see the enthusiasm of these future Bulldogs participating in the pre-game with it being clear that they were perhaps a little more attentive than some of the senior players. 

The first quarter was exactly what was expected. The Magpies came out of the blocks strongly and with a couple of early goals, were leading half way through the first quarter. 

It took Daniel Bourke ripping a ball out of the ruck and kicking an inspirational goal (his second attempt, with the first being denied by his best umpiring mate) to kick start the Bulldogs. 

Matt Jones, Max Blake, and Hayden Bruce also contributed, and the Bulldogs led by 8 points at the quarter time break.

That was to be it for the Magpies. 

It started with a stunning second quarter from the Bulldogs, who ultimately rammed home 12 goals (and a single solitary point) from 20 inside 50s. 

Captain Jack Taylor led what was a Bulldog tsunami, kicking five goals of his own, including three inside the first five minutes. Max Blake took 
control and kicked three of his own, Jai Jordan a couple of and a bunch of other contributors in a superb 
forward display. An 8-point lead transformed to 81 points in 30 minutes of almost perfect football!

The avalanche continued in the second half. 

Ultimately the Bulldogs were to run out winners by a stunning 154-point margin (188 to 34). Jack Taylor showed that he can play everywhere, finishing with 10 goals of his own and a best on ground performance.  

Max Blake and Jack Papas were everywhere in the forward-line, whilst the Patullo brothers returned to something close to the best working all over the ground as well. 

The Bulldogs onballers had a day out, led by Hayden Bruce, Max Walton and Daniel Bourke with Jack Opitz contributing what would have to have been close to his best game as well. 

And whilst the defensive unit has a less stressful day that usual, Daniel Pearce and Tarquin McMillan stood tall.

In the end, it was an outstanding outing against a team that is still in the hunt for those last finals slot. A Taylor-made tune up for a couple of tough away games coming up against Warragul Industrials (6th) and Cora Lynn (5th) which will test the Bulldogs in the lead up to the finals.