Dogs bite back in grand final rematch

PHILLIP Island made the trip to Inverloch for the second grand final rematch. A crucial game was upon the Island, win and top two and double chance would be cemented, a loss would bring them back to the pack.

Last year when the two teams met it was a draw followed by a one-point win to Inverloch before the grand final win. 

Inverloch had turned the weather on with little wind and clear skies. From the outset the Island looked like they had come to play, thrusting the ball forward, the Island had two chances on goal within a minute of the opening quarter. Inverloch are always hard to beat and needing a win to keep their top two dream alive the game was set for an epic. And fast-paced football it was, both midfields driving the ball forward and both defences standing tall. At the end of the first nothing could separate the two teams sitting on 20 points each.

Stand up Zac Walker and Yianni Caffieri, it is a testament to the development that Phillip Island has through juniors and into its 16s and 18s programs, both men have come of age and added a special dynamic to Phillip Island. Yianni being only 16 years old, was close to best on ground again in seniors. 

His clean skills and work rate managed to slot three goals for the game. Not to be outdone Zac Walker has taken his game to new heights and with his speed, marking and versatility, has become a real presence for the Island as he also slotted three goals and took numerous marks around the ground.

The Bulldogs started to kick into second gear and came in at halftime with an eight-point lead.

The premiership quarter was upon the Island, and Inverloch had the scoring end down to the netball courts. And what the crowd witnessed was a hungry Phillip Island that would not relent on pressure. The midfield brigade of Walton, Youle, Tom (primetrain), and the Bruce brothers dominated at stoppages and did not let Inverloch have any free-flowing play. In a hard-fought quarter, the Island managed to keep Inverloch to a single point while adding two goals of their own to have a 59-39 lead and three-quarter time.

With belief growing and confidence from their coaches, the Doggies came out in the fourth and played an incredibly special brand of football. Commentators and supporters were witnessing something special as they shut the door on Inverloch. Their speed and intensity could not be matched as the Island controlled the game with skill and speed. Orlando and Bryce “Chompers” Hindaugh controlled the wings, and Hayden Bruce continued his dominant year kicking two goals and setting up others. Daniel Pearce floated around the ground using his skill.

The most pleasing thing was that the team performance was so even across the board. The backline was terrific to not concede a goal in the second half, Kai McKenzie was back to his running dash, Aaron Harris has had a special month of football, along with Benjamin “Button” Holmes who is looking younger as the year progresses, the Island has a deep midfield and a strong defence. Not to mention the firepower up forward of the Taylor brothers, Captain Jack and Billy “Stretch” Taylor, Travis “Turbo” Woodfield, and a brigade of midfielders who play forward. 

The Island ran out 63-point winners. It’s a credit to Phillip Island to see so many local talents who have played all their juniors at the club starting to hit their straps. 

Phillip Island will verse third-placed Nar Nar Goon on Saturday, August 17 in the final home game for the year. Another big task awaits the Island as they prepare for finals.