Seniors
With the highly anticipated return of Coach Cam Pedersen and star player Alex Duyker, there was some nerves and excitement for the boys coming back from their ACL injuries.
Despite the absence of high-flying Daniel Bourke, experienced defender Daniel Pearce and club great Jaymie Youle, the Bulldogs were keen to maintain their momentum.
Young talents Cooper Walton, Zac Walker and Yianni Caffieri were also missing, playing in the U18s after spending much of the season with the Senior team.
This provided a golden opportunity for Tom Macrokanis, Connor Thompson and Tyce Kleverkamp to solidify their positions in the senior lineup.
From the outset, Phillip Island asserted their dominance.
The reconfigured forward line, bolstered by the return of Pedersen and Duyker, along with the dynamic Taylor duo, proved too much for Bunyip to handle.
By the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs had amassed a commanding lead, scoring seven-goals and three-points while keeping Bunyip scoreless.
The second quarter saw a continuation of the Bulldogs' relentless attack.
With nine-goals and one-point added to their tally, they showcased brilliant teamwork and ball-sharing.
Jesse Patullo and Brayden Kleverkamp controlled the centre bounces, feeding the midfielders, including the Bruce brothers and Max Walton, who orchestrated play with precision.
As the third quarter ended, Phillip Island added another nine-goals and three-points to their impressive scoreline.
Billy Taylor and Jordy Patullo each bagged four goals, while Alex Duyker demonstrated his aerial prowess with three goals.
The Bulldogs' dominance was unrelenting, leaving Bunyip struggling to keep up.
In the final quarter, with the game well in hand, Phillip Island added another five-goals and four-points.
The highlight was Mark Griffin's spectacular 50-metre goal and Jordy Patullo slotting his fourth.
Bunyip managed to score their first goal of the game to the cheers of the crowd, avoiding a complete shutout.
Jesse Patullo was a standout performer, contributing three goals and numerous disposals around the ground.
Max Walton also shone, recording 12 score assists, and Billy Taylor finishing his day with six.
The victory catapulted Phillip Island to equal top spot on the ladder, alongside Cora Lynn with Inverloch and Nar Nar Goon close behind.
An even team performance including 14 goal scorers. The Bulldogs now turn their focus to a crucial upcoming match against Bass in the Shades of Pink round, with the top four teams closer than ever.
Scores: Phillip Island: 30.11.191. Bunyip: 1.1.7.
Best players: Phillip Island: Jesse Patullo, Max Walton, Hayden Bruce, Travis Woodfield, Charlie Bruce and Tyce Kleverkamp. Bunyip: Dylan McDougal, Mitchell Sproles, Tahj Murphy, Chase Saunders, Reid Jenkin and Ned Ashton.
Goals: Phillip Island: Billy Taylor - 6, Jordy Patullo - 4, Alex Duyker, Jesse Patullo, Travis Woodfield - 3, Tyce Kleverkamp, Cameron Pedersen - 2, Hayden Bruce, Mark Griffin, Jay Ladson, Kai Mackenzie, Jack Taylor, Connor Thompson and Max Walton - 1. Bunyip: Jason Williams - 1.
