Tooradin-Dalmore holds off Island charge

PHILLIP Island’s senior team nearly pulled off one of the comebacks of the season but fell just short by two points in a thriller against Tooradin-Dalmore.

After a sluggish start that saw the Bulldogs trail by 30 points at quarter-time and 33 at the half, the side rallied in the second half with a renewed intensity and cleaner ball movement, despite three goals to the Seagulls during the third term.

The margin was cut to 14 points by the final break, and the Bulldogs surged in the last quarter but were left to rue missed opportunities, finishing with 14 behinds for the day.

Max Walton led the scoring with four goals in a best-on-ground display, while Charlie and Hayden Bruce, Daniel Pearce, Jaymie Youle, and Cameron Pedersen all had influential games. 

Walton and Jack Taylor booted a major each in the thrilling final term in which Tooradin-Dalmore was kept goalless.

For the triumphant Sea Eagles, Andrew Dean booted four goals, Piva Wright three, with a couple to Shane Savage, and singles to Xavier Shinners and Logan Downe, while Lewis Hill was named the winner’s best.

The narrowly beaten Bulldogs showed great heart and will look to carry that energy into next week’s key match-up against Inverloch-Kongwak, a side that sits just one spot below the Bulldogs on the ladder and a win behind.

Reserves:
PHILLIP Island’s Reserves side fell agonisingly short in a tight tussle with Tooradin-Dalmore, going down by just three points in a low-scoring and fiercely contested match.

The Bulldogs had their chances late but couldn’t quite find the winning goal. 

Jack Huther was impressive with three majors, and Ethan Michaelides chipped in with two. 

The midfield worked tirelessly all game, with standout efforts from Oliver Hibbert and Jack Opitz, while Ben Taylor and Jack Keating stood tall around the ground.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take into next week’s clash at Inverloch.

Under 18s:
PHILLIP Island’s Under 18s produced a dominant performance on the road, cruising to a 40-point victory over Tooradin-Dalmore. 

The Bulldogs set the tone early with relentless pressure and clean ball use, keeping their opponents to just three goals for the match.

Key forward Oliver Duggan was damaging up front, bagging four goals, while Max Taylor (2), Ben Chihotski (1), and Charles O’Garey (1) added to the scoreboard in a well-rounded team effort. 

The Bulldogs’ midfield controlled the contest, giving their forwards plenty of opportunity and keeping the ball locked in their half for large stretches.

This commanding win continues the strong form of the U18s as they build momentum into the mid-point of the season.