The testing times continued for the Island Bulldogs this week, making their second away visit in a row venturing to the wilds of Cora Lynn.
With the Cobras competitive in all grades they compete in – notably with no Under 16s in 2023 – it was to be a test for the Bulldogs after a tough encounter last week.
With the weather promising the normal four seasons in one day, the visitors were pleased to see the Cora Lynn ground in the best condition that could be recalled.
An excellent day of community footy beckoned.
Seniors:
They say that a week is a long time in footy, and two weeks is doubly long.
Two weeks ago, the Island boys were basking in one of the most complete efforts of the year having eclipsed our local neighbours in successive weeks.
Unfortunately, the injury-gods must have been displeased with the Bulldogs, who entered this game with nine of the typical starting 20 out, many for the rest of the season.
A great opportunity for a bunch of players to step up presented itself.
This included young gun James Lewis from the under 18s – playing his first senior game – being presented with the famous No 31 jumper by his mum before the game.
Fantastic effort from a young man who joined the club early in the year and has blossomed in the culture of the Bulldogs family.
The game was ultimately won in the first 15 minutes of the first quarter, and unfortunately for the Bulldogs it was not their way.
After a tight couple of minutes, the floodgates opened, with gun Cobras full-forward Nathan Gardiner taking over.
Within 10 minutes, Gardiner was to have four goals on the board, and when joined with his elusive mate Ryan Gillis, the Cobras led by five goals.
That was to be ultimately close to the final margin, although typically the Bulldogs fought back.
Stabilising the game later in the first, with a couple of goals to Jai Jordan and Trav Woodfield, and a 17-point margin at the first break not insurmountable.
The second quarter saw the Bulldogs take control of the game.
Max Walton decided that it was time to takeover in the midfield, whilst Daniel Bourke took control in the ruck.
Damien Holmes showed that he continues to age like a fine red wine, controlling the backline and initiating many forward thrusts.
A goal to captain Taylor brought the margin closer.
Then a fantastic solo effort from first gamer James Lewis who bewildered his opponents with outstanding dancing footwork which resulted in another, and the Bulldogs were within five points at the big break.
That was to be pretty much it for the Bulldogs.
It was to be all Cobras in the third quarter– as they piled on six goals to the Bulldogs two (both coming late in the quarter).
Gardiner and Gillis ran amok, beautifully fed by a Cobras midfield who were able to deliver the ball into the forward line with precision.
Luke Ryan and Josh Cochrane in particular put the Bulldogs to the sword, and all of sudden a five-point lead had spread to 30 plus points.
Highlights for the Bulldogs were few and far between, with James Lewis snapping superbly for his second being the best.
Ultimately, the Cobras were to extend their lead to 30 points by the three-quarter time break.
The last opened with more goals to the Cobras, including the seventh for Gardiner and fifth for Gillis.
The Bulldogs fought back with the last three goals of the game through Jack Papas, Cam Pedersen and Mark Griffin, but it was to be too little too late from the Bulldogs.
The final margin of 22 points flattered the Bulldogs, who have lots of hard work ahead of them in the final weeks of the season.
Scores:
Phillip Island: 2.2.14, 4.5.29, 6.6.42, 10.8.68.
Cora Lynn: 5.1.31, 5.4.34, 11.6.72, 14.6.90.
Goals:
Phillip Island: James Lewis, Cameron Pedersen and Jack Taylor – 2.
Cora Lynn: Nathan Gardiner – 7, Ryan Gillis – 5, Matthew Ryan and Nathan Villella – 1.
Best Players:
Phillip Island: Cameron Pedersen, Damien Holmes, Daniel Bourke, Max Walton, Daniel Pearce and Jack Taylor.
Cora Lynn: Nathan Gardiner, Luke Ryan, Joshua Cochrane, Ryan Gillis, Nathan Villella and Jeremy Monckton.