The final home and away game for the year, and what a set of games it was expected to be against our arch-rivals and close neighbours at Inverloch.

With both teams in the finals across all four grades, the final positions on the ladder for under 18s and seniors completely depended on the outcomes of this week’s games.

Drizzling rain, little breeze on the Island, but on arrival in Inverloch saw the drizzling rain continue, combined with a strong westerly breeze going straight down the ground.

Not exactly conducive to a showcase brand of finals footy.

Seniors:

First versus second in the seniors.

Coming into the game needing to score points – any points - from this game to hold onto second place – and the coveted week off and second chance in the finals.

A loss could see a potential drop to fourth place.
Having been nicely ‘fixed up’ in the early season clash at the Kennel – where Inverloch won by six goals – the challenge was certainly on.

Captain Taylor unfortunately lost the toss, and the Bulldogs were kicking into the westerly gale in the first.

Stout defence was the order of the day, and Captain Jack led from the front, combining well with that fine red wine Holmes, whilst the on-ballers kept the home side at bay.

Nevertheless, the wind took its toll with the ball spending nearly all its time in the home side’s forward line.

Great defence saw numerous advances from Inverloch, resulting in a lot of points combined with their two goals for the first and a lead of 19-0 at the quarter break.

Kicking with the gale in the second saw the Bulldogs open brightly, with Daniel Bourke dominating around the ground, including booting a couple of great goals.

One of these included a magnificent impersonation of Swans star Max Papley, albeit about a foot taller.

Max Blake continued his crushing best in the forward line, and Max Walton took over on ball.

Against the flow, the locals managed to push the ball forward for a rare goal into the wind, which was to be key.

At half time, it was 31-27 in favour of the home side.

The third saw a complete defensive effort from the Bulldogs.

Jack Opitz continued his tough play in the middle, with the Patullo-two (Jesse and Jordy) stepping up to keep the locals at bay.

In what was something resembling a rolling rugby mall for the entire quarter, the Bulldogs were able to keep the locals away from the goals.

Billy Taylor stepped up again after a forward thrust into the gale, which saw the Bulldogs score what was to be the only goal for the quarter at the 24-minute mark.

The Inverloch boys peppered the forward line late but were only able to put on points.

36-34 at the three-quarter time break looked good for the visitors kicking with the gale in the last.

Not to be outdone, the locals stepped out to prove that goals were not impossible into the wind.

Out of almost nowhere, the first two of the final stanza went to Inverloch into the wind, resulting in a game high 13-point advantage – the effort of the third showing signs on the Bulldog defence.

Then it was the Bulldogs turn.

Cam Pedersen kicked a beautiful goal, and then Cam Brown stepped up for a beautiful snap and the Bulldogs were back in it.

Then out of nowhere up stepped Jack Opitz.

Grabbing the ball from a tight scrum at least 70m out from goal, Jack sized up the opportunity and decided a barrel was the go.

To everyone’s amazement – including himself I believe – the barrel took hold and through the ball went post high to put the Bulldogs up by five.

Looking as though that might be it, the boys from Inverloch were not to be outdone.

Pushing hard into the gale was their only chance, and push they did, with an inspirational running goal, and back in front.

With little time left, the Bulldogs pushed forward again with a valuable point evening the score.

And then the bell rang, the players looked up, and it showed a one-point win to the Inverloch boys.

But wait, that’s not right everyone thought, and after close consultation with timekeeper Bourke – including hanging out the window from the scorer’s box Danny Frawley style – the board was righted, and a draw it was!

So, with two draws for the year, the Bulldogs effort ensured they maintained their second place, and the highly desired week off.

So, in two weeks’ time, it’s off to Nar Nar Goon to play for a grand final spot against Inverloch.

Let’s hope the blood pressure can survive that one.