Island’s narrow loss sets up thrilling finals

THE last round was upon the Island, top two secured, the island managed some key players ready for finals. On a sunny day, it was first versus third. This would be their second meeting after Nar Nar Goon had a big win in round two.

The Island came out firing and a classy snap from 40 metres from Pedersen hsi team on the board. The Island had most of the play but was wasteful in front of the goal and at one point were two goals six behind. The first quarter ended, and the Island had nine scoring shots two but only held a 12-point lead.

In the second quarter, the Goon found their rhythm and started to apply scoreboard pressure. Daniel Pearce was intercepting everything while Coby, Holmes and Mark Griffin were doing well to curtail the advantage of the wind blowing towards the scoreboard end.

Jaymie Youle, Charlie and Hayden Bruce were starting to get on top through the midfield while Jack, Billy and Tom Baulch were finding space up forward. In a sign of things to come at the half Phillip Island went in with a narrow 37-36 lead.

The island came out firing in the third and lifted their conversion. Slotting five goals and two behinds to extend their lead to 11 points. Zac Walker was marking everything and becoming a real handful for the opposition. 

Down the other end, Finn O’Brien was winning his one-on-ones and using the ball well to rebound from defence. A tight tussle ensued, and some questionable decisions cost the Island some goals.

Late in the fourth Nar Nar Goon took the lead, but the Island would not go away after playing with one down on the bench the island found another gear. Jack Taylor was found by Nick Anderson and went back and slotted a goal to put the island two points ahead. The next centre bounce Goon rushed the ball forward and was able to kick a goal. 

Thirty seconds left Mark Griffin intercepted the mark, pulled the trigger inside, Kai McKenzie took the mark and played on to Tom 70 metres out, siren sounds! In the shortest quarter of the game, the Island fell to a four-point defeat.

A remarkable effort considering playing with 17 players for 15 minutes after the yellow card. With Daniel Bourke, Jesse Patullo, Alex Duyker and Yianni Caffieri coming back in, the Island looks set for an exciting finals campaign. 

The Island have 16s, 18s, reserves and seniors all in the finals which is a credit to the development and strength of the club.