Phillip Island pipped by Cora Lynn

By Andrew Paloczi

WHILE disappointed the result didn’t go his side’s way, Phillip Island senior coach Cam Pedersen expressed pride in his largely young Bulldogs’ efforts after Cora Lynn pipped them by four points in Sunday’s semi-final.

The loss ended Phillip Island’s season, but with the talent coming through there is plenty to look forward to in the not-too-distant future.

Entering the last quarter almost two goals ahead after a solid third term with the wind, the Bulldogs knew hard work was required to get the job done in the strong breeze.

“It’s just you and your ability to win a contest,” Pedersen urged his players at the huddle, encouraging them to get their heads over the footy and to run themselves ragged for the remainder of the game.

They held up their end of the bargain, displaying unrelenting effort, but could manage just one major for the term, Nick Anderson running into an open goal and replying to a Luke Hartley goal for the Cobras.

However, a juggling mark and set shot goal to Matthew Ryan brought the Cobras within less than a straight kick, and although they tumbled through another major to hit the lead, Phillip Island kept plugging away.

An Anderson shot at goal fell short, Cora Lynn shortly afterwards receiving respite through a high tackle free kick deep in defence, followed by an authoritative mark from Cobra Jordan Butera as Phillip Island mounted another attack.

Pedersen had an engaging game-long ruck battle with William Thomas, the two having lots of work to do during numerous stoppages in the tough windy conditions.

The Bulldogs’ senior season was a real squad effort, with 41 players pulling on the jumper at that level, Pedersen noting that included developing young players.

“The younger boys have been fantastic,” he said, Bailey Hennessy one of those gaining finals experience, having just turned 18, Yianni Caffieri missing out as he was unwell, but having had a taste of seniors action during the season.

Finn O’Brien, Cooper Walsh and Jay Ladson are some of the other developing young players laying the foundations for a bright future, the latter also in action in the semi-final.

The Bulldogs’ best on Sunday, Max Walton is still only 21.

Kai Mackenzie and Coby Olarenshaw were among the Phillip Island players who were clean in their ball use despite the tricky day.

“Mark Griffin did a great job,” Pedersen said of a performance that restricted prolific Cobra forward Nathan Gardiner to just one major for the match despite having booted over 100 goals for the season.

Daniel Pearce and Jack Taylor were other strong performers for the narrowly beaten Bulldogs, while Anderson, Billy Taylor and Jack Huther were the side’s multiple goal scorers with a couple each.

Ryan was deservedly named Cora Lynn’s top player for the day, taking some critical marks and booting three goals, including the vital last quarter major.