Following a disappointing effort against the demons the last week, coach and assistants asked for atonement from the assembled team prior to the game.

Up against the undefeated boys from Bunyip – combined with a couple of late withdrawals from Henry Shawcross and Sam McRae – would surely present a monumental challenge.

Unlike the previous week, the PI boys jumped straight into action.

A tight and competitive first quarter being dominated by stubborn defence from both teams saw only one goal to Bunyip.

As the temperature increased from the beautiful sunshine, the bulldogs roared into action in the second quarter, and goals to Duyker, Larkin and Anderson saw a lead of eight points at the main break.

The Bunyip boys came out with purpose in the third, with a defensive struggle again being the order of the day.

A goal came later in the quarter and the game was on a knife edge at three quarter time with a small lead to Bunyip.

The last quarter was an intense a game of reserves football as has been seen at the kennel for some time.

A determined bulldog team gained the lead, followed by a decision resulting in a send-off in questionable circumstances, which put the dogs on the back foot.

Led by a superb effort from Jack Wilson, combined with an impressive effort from young senior players Nick Anderson and Noah Bee-Hickman, and a wonderful return from veteran Rocket McKenzie, the bulldogs held on for a sensational two-point victory.

Scores: Phillip Island: 0.3.3, 4.5.29, 4.8.32, 5.9.39.

Bunyip: 1.2.8,   3.3.21,   5.6.36,   5.7.37

Goals: Larkin 2, Duyker 2, Anderson.

Best: Wilson, Brain, Blake, McKenzie, Anderson, Bee-Hickman.