Giants no match for Bulldogs

THIS game was to be one of Korumburra-Bena Giants less competitive efforts for the year – with the Bulldogs running riot particularly in the second half to ultimately win by 167 points.

First-gamer Will Taylor-Eagles was presented with ‘Whales’ No 31 prior to the game, with dad Gerald proudly presenting the honoured jumper. 

He was to have a day to remember, which included a couple of perfect goal-sneak goals. 

Also joining Will as first game for the season was favourite son Max Walton – taking a break from Gippsland Power and Box Hill Hawks duties.

Leading the charge for the Bulldogs was Jack (Bison) Taylor, who had a day out in the forward line.

Bison dominated the game from start to finish, kicking goals consistently across the entire game, ultimately with a total of 8 goals straight and 30 possessions in an outstanding effort. 

The forwards and onballers also contributed, with a total of 14 individual goal kickers across the team contributing to a total of 28 majors for the day.

The first half from the Bulldogs was not considered one of the best from the team, despite a lead of 10 goals at half time. 

Highlights included first goal for Will Taylor-Eagles, and an outstanding opportunity for Al (Big-G) Officer to score his first goal for the year. 

The Giants were battling hard against the odds, led by Paul Fermanis all over the ground (including 2 goals), and Matthew Lello withstanding the constant Bulldog barrage in defence. 

One of the lighter moments in the first half was seeing Brendan Kimber manned up by a kid still eligible for the Under 18s from the opposition, which had all pondering whether this kid was even born when Kimber first played a senior game!

Lots of things to work on, with more effective run-on game and a need to better hit targets for players in the ‘right spot’ a key directive from the coaching panel at ½ time. 

The second half from the Bulldogs was significantly better, kicking 17 goals to 1, with a lift across the entire field. 

Highlights included Tarquin McMillan kicking his first senior goal for the Bulldogs drifting forward from defence, one from Max Walton in his first game for the season and beautiful forward play from Will Taylor-Eagles who could easily have scored 6. 

Cam Pedersen was his usual outstanding self, with great contributions from Harry O’Brien, Jory Patullo and speedster Orlando (Noosh) Kane-Gillard in particular. 

The defence tightened beautifully in the second half led by Damien Holmes and the aforementioned Big G Officer.

All in all, it was a strong win for the Bulldogs, against a clearly under-manned outfit from the Burra. 

The competition heats up next week for the Bulldogs with a visit to the Warrigal Industrials (Dusties) home ground, and a return to those ‘away’ jumpers.