POINT Cook has impressed with its ability to break the lines with superior foot speed and produce a high intensity for long periods, leading to big wins over the opening month of the Victorian Amateur Football Association division 4 season.
The big question mark heading into Saturday’s clash with Mount Lilydale Old Collegians was whether the Bulldogs could stand up to a physical test against a side noted for its hard-at-it approach – the resounding answer was yes.
The Bulldogs went into enemy territory and scrapped out a gritty 20-point win.
Coach Daniel Fraser said the four points were some of the toughest the club has had to earn.
“It was one of the harder wins in the club’s history,” he said.
“It was a physically challenging game and they were able to withstand that challenge.
“I would say it was just a grinding win. Good teams are able to grind out wins.”
The Bulldogs are flying at the minute.
They have bounced back from their opening round pounding at the hands of South Mornington to string four wins on the trot.
The latest was achieved without their top goalkicker Aaron Marsh.
Fraser was impressed with the Bulldogs ability to cover his loss.
Goal sneak Daniel Sidwell was front and centre to most inside 50 contests to boot four goals from limited opportunities, while rookie Andrew Maclean and Tommy Henwood competed well in the air.
“They stood up well in difficult conditions,” Fraser said.
“It’s good to have a few more options to goal.”
The in and under players would be the barometer of how the Bulldogs were travelling.
The likes of Tristan Furr and Paul Hegarty never stopped burrowing under the packs to get the ball out to the running brigade.
There is a buzz of excitement at the kennel, but Fraser acknowledges the work that needs to be done if his side is to be a September threat.
“There’s a good vibe around the footy club,” he said.
“Everything we’ve put in front of them, they’ve gobbled up. We’ve got plenty of room for improvement if we’re going to strike at the end of the year.
“We’ve got to continue to work hard.”
Next stop for the Bulldogs is a trip to Eley Park Sharks, a team they have never beaten.
Premier B: Werribee Districts 12.6 (78) lt University Blacks 18.14 (122).
Division 3: Old Westbourne 7.5 (47) lt UHS-VU 18.20 (128.
Division 4: Mt Lilydale OC 12.11 (83) lt Point Cook 15.13 (103).
