Fish Creek exhibits its strength as Dogs fight

By Rob Popplestone

AS WE hit the halfway mark of the MGFNL home and away season, the year remained very much alive for at least eleven of the League’s thirteen clubs with the eleventh-placed Toora just two games from fourth-placed MDU.

In short, the second half of 2025 looks set for a thrilling finish in the run to the finals.

With two premierships in the past two seasons, top-of-the-table Fish Creek remains well placed for their “threepeat” attempt.

Hosting Newborough was never going to be a walk in the park, with the Bulldogs desperate to continue their assault on a top-six position, but the Kangaroos proved to be a bridge too far, the home side winning 13-16-94 to 6-6-42.

It wasn’t all the Kangaroos’ way, however, with the Bulldogs jumping out of the blocks early to lead by four points at the first break.

“An interesting day for us today. Looked threatening in the first quarter but then to Newborough’s credit they were able to get some momentum back and control the footy for a good portion of the first half,” Jarrod Walker, Fish Creek coach said.

“We swung the magnets around a bit at halftime to try to get some more guys into the game which had a bit of an effect on the third quarter. It was then pleasing in the last quarter for the guys to stick to the task and finish the game off strongly.”

Although Fish Creek assumed control in the second half the reigning premiers found it tough to shake the Bulldogs, who despite continuing to fight an injury curse, fought well through the third term before stopping to a walk as Fish Creek took control.

“A hard-fought loss against a class opponent in Fish Creek today,” Pat Frendo, Newborough coach said.

“We managed to stay within three goals for the first three quarters before ultimately running out of legs in the last. Extremely proud of how the boys went about it and for the most part stayed neck and neck with the benchmark of the competition. More injuries to our list saw another two senior debutantes on the weekend, taking the season total to eleven first-time senior players which is just awesome for the club’s development. After a couple of tough losses, we look ahead to a month of winnable football with a refreshed attitude.”

It will take a special month for the Bulldogs to get themselves back in the heat of the race, but no one yet doubts that they are capable. What most are questioning is who will be the team to take it up to Fish Creek?