Harper Sercombe
A grand final loss could just be the start of something special for Point Cook in the Western Region Football League.
The Dogs lost to Werribee Districts in the division 1 grand final on Sunday afternoon at Chirnside Park.
The Dogs were on top early kicking the first major of the day and taking an 11 point lead into quarter time.
Throughout the first quarter the Dogs’ run, spread and contest game was on full show, moving the ball up the ground with ease.
Former AFL player Luke Dahlhaus was electric throughout the game and was a key contributor to the Dogs fantastic early ball movement. Dahlhaus created great run and poise with the ball in hand, hitting targets at will.
However, from the second term the game began to slide for the Dogs with the Tigers beginning to get the game on their terms.
Inaccurate goal kicking ended up hurting the Dogs, losing by 22 points, 9.11 (65)-5.13 (43).
However, there is plenty of upside to see for the Dogs with a young side under first year coach Clay Smith.
Amongst the young talent at Saltwater Reserve is 16-year-old Thomas Burton who made his debut for the side.
Burton was electric, showing off his pace, poise, determination and skill, announcing himself as an exciting talent, and AFL draft potential for the years to come.
Point Cook president Ivo Havard said they’ve got an emerging star there.
“Some people were sceptical about the decision to play a 16-year-old but he had a great Coates league debut (for the Western Jets) the other week,” he said.
“He’s got the X-factor, he’ll be a good player.
“Looking forward to seeing Tommy Burton in the future.”
Players like Burton are what’s making Dogs supporters excited for the years to come according to Havard.
“A young club, building and today’s probably a part of our learning curve,” he said. “They say you’ve got to go through a loss to enjoy the big wins, so today’s that step.
“We’ll be fine, we’ll bounce back, they’re a young group and well coached by Clay.
“The season’s been fantastic, we look forward to next year.
“It’s the way you’ve got to bounce back, no good looking back and saying ‘we could have done this’, ‘we should have done that’.
“It’s all in front of us with a young group, so we’ll look forward to it.”
Dahlaus was named the Bulldogs best in the loss, along with Simon Deery and Nicholas Buykx.
It was all single goal kickers for the Bulldogs, with Max Rouvray, Alex Grigg, Jim Botsaris, Salvatore Cilmi and Dahlhaus all hitting the scoreboard.
