PHILLIP Island backed up last year’s Under 18 Premiership, being in control for much of the Grand Final and beating Inverloch Kongwak by seven goals after the Sea Eagles started brightly with the game’s first major at Garfield Recreation Reserve.
Jeremy Kelly led the way, showing his class despite the Grand Final pressure and relentless wind, earning the medal for Best on Ground, Yianni Caffieri’s four goals also decisive in the Bulldogs’ victory.
A commanding second term from Phillip Island set up the win, adding five goals while keeping IK scoreless.
That followed a competitive first term in which each side managed a goal, Phillip Island coach Hayden Bruce largely pleased with the effort to that point, although he encouraged his boys not to rush when entering their forward 50 arc.
He highlighted that they looked impressive when they lowered their eyes and found a target, and singled out Oliver Duggan for his tenacious start to the game.
At halftime, Sea Eagles coach David Newman reminded his players there is a reason they made the Grand Final, expressing confidence that the match was still there to be won.
“We need to go back to basics and we need to roll the dice as well,” he said, calling on his charges to start matching the Bulldogs’ intensity, and acknowledging “They were harder than us.”
While the Sea Eagles responded to force a strong contest in the second half, holding Phillip Island to just one major, which came late in the final term, IK couldn’t find any avenue to goal.
That task wasn’t made easier for either side by the torrid windy conditions, albeit the ground surface was a credit to Garfield.
Archie Terlich was most impressive for the beaten team, winning and using the ball effectively and covering plenty of ground, with Patrick Dwyer and Jack Aeschlimann other strong performers for the Sea Eagles.
Riley Harris booted IK’s lone goal.
Although Phillip Island was a deserving winner, the Sea Eagles stuck at the task and you can’t ask for more.
