Finals fever for the Bulldogs

THE Phillip Island Bulldogs are firing on all cylinders as both the Seniors and Reserves storm into the semi-finals. 

After thrilling elimination final victories this weekend, the club, players, and supporters are buzzing with excitement.

The Seniors lit up the field in an elimination final full of energy, skill, and determination. Playing at Nar Nar Goon, the seasonal grass held up well despite the rain through the day. 

From the opening moments, Phillip Island’s message was clear – the team was here to win, and nothing was going to stop them. 

Zak Vernon and Cameron Pedersen led the charge through the midfield, winning crucial contests and delivering the ball cleanly to their forwards.

Yianni Caffieri’s brilliance was on full display, slotting goals at critical moments, while Jack Taylor, Daniel Pearce, and Mark Collison made relentless efforts to dominate the field. 

It was a high-scoring game, and Kilcunda-Bass felt it held up well against the Bulldogs, playing the best game it possibly could. 

Scores were tight after the first quarter but tipped in favour of the Bulldogs during the second. 

Phillip Island’s forward line’s composure ensured that every opportunity was capitalized on, with goals coming from Brendan Kimber, Billy Taylor, Max Walton, and more.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle, but Phillip Island proved to be that little bit better, cleaner and more experienced. 

Kilcunda-Bass had a vision for the game that 15 tackles per quarter was going to be key.

It managed 20 tackles in the first quarter, but the score dropped away when the pressure wasn’t as consistent. 

For Kilcunda-Bass, Nathan Foote, Dale Gawley and Travis Tuck were named among the best.

Dean McRae played a superb game, relentlessly focused on quieting Pedersen as much as possible. 

The was also a good finals experience for the young Panthers, demonstrating the club still has a lot of young skill despite not having an U18 side this year.

Trent Cartmel kicked two goals for the game while Owen Thomas kicked one.

Ashden Grenness and Jed Rosenow also played well through the final. 

Despite a strong challenge from Kilcunda Bass, Phillip Island’s skill, experience, and team spirit shone through, sealing a 30-point win and a semi-final showdown against Cora Lynn Seniors at 2.10pm, at the Inverloch Recreational Reserve.

The club is celebrating in style – finals football is here, and both teams are ready to make their mark. 

The energy around Phillip Island is electric, and supporters are rallying behind the Bulldogs as they chase their finals dreams. 

For Kilcunda-Bass, it is time for a break before getting back into it with preseason training before Christmas.

Kilcunda-Bass will be preparing for another healthy season under the leadership of coach Lee Rowe, who has signed on for another season.

The Panthers will be looking for more finals representation in 2026, whilst still focusing on the improvement of the junior players and getting an U18s side up.

They will also be looking to add more depth and numbers in the Reserves side.