Stars go down swinging
Bunyip put up one of their best efforts for the season as they were beaten by finals-bound Kilcunda Bass at home.
It was an understandably much smaller crowd at the oval than the one that turned up to watch Isaac Smith and Shane Mumford, with the fans that did turn up looking to stay as warm and dry as they could.
Rain hammered the Bunyip Recreation Reserve for the second consecutive week making for yet another war of attrition for the beleaguered Bulldogs.
And while they yet again couldn't find a way to win – they lost 2.3 (15) to 8.14 (62) - it's all about the small wins, and this game had more than a few for them.
Pressure was the name of the game for Bunyip.
They chased, tackled and smothered with an intensity they've lacked at times this year.
Ben Stewart played a new role in the ruck with aplomb, often acting as an extra midfielder once the ball hit the ground.
He didn't have to deal with Panther Dale Gawley for the first half, the league's premier ruckman instead playing a role on the wing in the opening stages of the game.
Once Gawley was moved back to his usual position in the third, however, Stewart still made sure he gave the big man plenty to think about around the ground.
Seth Ashton similarly enjoyed newfound freedom from half back, using the ball well to create opportunities further up the field.
Dijkstra played at his usual high standard through the middle, while Mitch Sproles and Dylan McDougal had a crack all day.
Ultimately what really did them was their first term.
Although the Bulldogs conceded just three goals across the final three quarters of the day, the game was put almost out of reach by quarter time once again as the Panthers kicked five majors to one in the opening term.
A number of these goals were from free kicks close to or in front of goal, a couple of which left Bunyip's players frustrated.
The pressure was still there from the home side, but with the scoreboard going against them it made for hard going after quarter time with the rain pelting down.
Evening up the rest of the day will have them reasonably happy with their efforts, as will the fact that they did not concede any goals in the final term for the second week in a row.
For the Panthers it was star midfielder Nathan Foote running riot through the middle alongside Benjamin Eddy.
Cam McKenzie, Sam Watson and Lleyton Cartmel were also plenty effective in the wet.
Bunyip coach Lachlan Petch said he was "happy with how the boys went."
"The main message was just pressure and high intensity for four quarters," he said.
With a number of players in new roles, Petch was pleased with how the moves panned out and more than anything liked the way his players stuck at it all day.
"I thought they had a crack, we said pregame four quarters of pressure and you never know what can happen."
Petch also thanked the Bunyip faithful who showed up to watch their side.
Bunyip will next face fellow bottom six sides Dalyston and Korumburra-Bena in the next two weeks in what looms as their final chances to break their near-two year losing streak.
A new-look Garfield put up a more of the season, catching the Bulldogs off than admirable fight against Phillip Island guard with their aggressive ball movement. at home on Saturday before ultimately The Stars kicked 2.4 for the term but really
should have had at least four or five on the being outclassed.
With not many punters giving the depleted board, missing multiple shots from directly
in front. Stars a chance of challenging the all-conquering Still, they led by nine points at quarter time Bulldogs the 4.6 (30) to 12.11 (83) – the first time Phillip Island have trailed at result was full of heart and fight, especially in the first change since round six. a first half that saw Garfield seriously challenge Garfield kept up the fight going into the another side in contention for the flag. second term, but as the day wore on and the
Joshua Evans was best on ground for the ground dried up Phillip Island's sheer talent Stars, combining well with co-coach Lachlan came to the fore.
Schreurs in giving their side dash and dare Max Walton reigned supreme for the Bulldogs from half back. in a best on ground performance for the
Jack Barnes was similarly efficient in the visitors, while the likes of Bryce Hindaugh, wet, as was Jonty Bow. Hayden Bruce and Yianni Caffieri (three
With Phillip Island having earned a reputation goals) all began to run riot. for being an especially unkind team Phillip Island booted four goals to one in to those lower on the table, the 53-point result the second term to take the lead and from may have looked on paper to be a fairly there generally took control of the day, the straightforward one. young Stars tiring as the day wore on.
In the first half, however, it was anything In the end the visitors recovered from their but. first quarter ambush nicely, kicking 11 goals
The Stars, missing as may as 10 of their to two to run out comfortable winners. first-choice players, came to play, putting on Regardless of the defeat, Schreurs said postgame some of their most daring footy in some trying he "couldn't be prouder" of his side. conditions early to put Phillip Island on "That first half was as good as I've seen us the back foot. play," he said.
It was clear from the outset that the safe, "We wanted to play a brand that can challenge somewhat bland style that has defined their the top sides and we felt like we were play this year was out, and in was a desire to right with them. That first half we looked like take the game on through the middle of the a new team." ground at all costs. With a few rounds left to play Schreurs said
No longer were they satisfied with settling he was very confident his side was going to for stoppages and heavy congestion, instead take a scalp as they look to build for next season. looking to drive their way through the centre of Garfield Recreation Reserve and give their For Phillip Island they did exactly as asked forwards a fighting chance. and will continue looking towards a much The first term was arguably Garfield's finest closer future with finals on the horizon.
WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE July 23 2024 Page 59