Towering Ben Hobgen has a lot of support as he looks to handpass in the clash with the Bulldogs. 66903 Pictures: Stewart Chambers
By Ken Moore
BUNYIP is back in town after a vitally important four-point victory over Warragul Industrials on Saturday.
The win puts the Bulldogs, who had won only one of their previous five games, safely inside the top six – and six points clear of the seventh-placed Nar Nar Goon.
After playing on grounds that were heavy underfoot over the past month, the Bulldogs clearly enjoyed the dry surface on Saturday, which allowed its fleet-footed running brigade to show their wares.
The Industrials held a nine-point lead at half-time, but Bunyip came out a different outfit in the third quarter – and with two goals by coach Callum Pattie and majors to Jake Buckingham, Ben Jostlear and Strathmerton recruit Marcus Cleary, it established a handy 19-point advantage at three-quarter-time.
Underrated ruck-rover Michael Whyte, Jostlear, Pattie and Stuart Edwards were the principal drivers through the middle during the term and Jack Fitzpatrick and Andy Henwood offered resolute defence.
The Dusties reduced the margin in the last quarter with two goals by their never-say-die coach Shane Brewster and one to Jason Kennedy.
But a goal by rugged Bulldogs forward Robbie Hughes – their only one for the quarter – was enough for the home side to hold on. Home fans did have a few nervous moments in the closing minutes – the ball was in Dusties’ hands with a free kick 70 metres from goal when the siren sounded.
“Our attack on the ball and the pressure we were able to exert on the opposition was a lot better,” a relieved Bunyip coach Callum Pattie said.
As usual, Dusties coach Shane Brewster rustled up the possessions at will, small forward Daniel Johnson (four goals) scouted the packs well and wingman Dale Williamson worked the ball inside the 50m several times.
Rhett O’Hara and Jason Kennedy provided good run and carry and Matt Willis suppressed many attacks in the last line of defence.
“We must come prepared to play every week,” said a disappointed and succinct Industrial coach Brewster.
