Phillip Island’s youth shines bright

THE “Battle of the bridge” was upon us. In recent years the two teams have been a lopsided affair. Come 2024 and Kilcunda-Bass has recruited heavily and knocked off Tooradin for the first time since the West Gippsland competition started.

Phillip Island was forced to make four changes losing experienced Youle, Aaron Harris, Daniel Pearce and crafty forward Travis Woodfield. Once again Island looked to its strong Senior list and also to their under 18s. Yianni Caffieri and Zac Walker lined up for their second games for the year along with Cooper Walton (debut), Tyce Kleverkamp and Finn O’Brien (Gippsland Power) the Island team was full of young talent.

Right from the first bounce it was evident Daniel Bourke was the dominant ruckman of the day, he was towering above last year’s league medallist Dale Gawley. Bourke was feeding his midfielders with the Bruce brothers and Max Walton showing superior skills. Bass had come to play with big name recruit Travis Tuck throwing his weight around. Killy-Bass were thrusting the ball forward but being repelled by Cooper Walton, Mark Griffin and Cobe Olarenshaw. In a tight tussle first quarter finished Kilcunda-Bass 19 to Phillip Island 13.

Coach Pedersen addressed his troops and pointed out Bass were attacking centre half forward and this would open up opportunities to counter in the second. Stand up Jesse Patullo, the intercept king who was aided by the dashing Kai Mackenzie. Phillip Island changed gears and Bass were unable to keep up, in a blink of an eye Island had poured on 7 goals. Bass were stunned and they tried to stem the flow, but the Island lifted its intensity. Half time approached and the Island had put a nice 5 goal gap in the game leading 60-31.

In a seesawing battle both teams came into the third where the game went up a notch. Connor Thompson and Joshua Ryan were being active in the forward line chasing and tackling. Zac Walker and Finn O’Brien were starting to take contested marks around the ground. A competitive quarter brought the scores Phillip Island 80 to Kilcunda Bass 52.

The Panthers were still in striking distance, step up the Taylor brothers, Billy (5 goals) and Captain Jack 2 goals for the game. Charlie Bruce and Hayden Bruce were putting their superior fitness and speed to good use and along with Bryce Hindhaugh (2 goals) Phillip Island put the game out of reach. Final scores Phillip Island 112 to Bass 61. A very competitive and exciting game that showcased the depth the Island has. Congratulations to Hayden Bruce for winning the Anzac medal and Phillip Island young brigade.