Point Cook has regained its mojo just in time for the finals in division 4 of the VAFA.
The Bulldogs have been a bit out of kilter in the past month but Saturday’s 139-point win over Mt Lilydale at Saltwater Reserve will ensure they hit the ground running in this Saturday’s first finals match.
“We wanted to win with a bit of confidence and I think they’re up and about now,” Bulldogs coach Ian Denny told Star Weekly.
“Minds had wandered a little bit so we hadn’t been that impressive in the last three or four weeks. Blokes have just been waiting for the finals to get here.
“I think the button got switched this week and they decided to play fair dinkum.
“There was the realisation they needed to switch back on in the game sense and today was the day. Hopefully, it will propel us through the finals.”
The Bulldogs should be at full strength for their first final, against Box Hill North at Garvey Oval on Saturday.
The line-up will include co-captain Paul Hegarty, back from suspension, and small forward Daniel Sidwell, returning from a cut knee.
“I think we’ll time it to perfection,” Denny said. “We still had a couple of players out today and they’re available next week. We’ll probably have a full list, so it should be good.”
There was plenty of feelgood factor about the Bulldogs’ lashing of Mt Lilydale.
Leading goalkicker Will Dawson booted five to bring up his 50th of the season.
Matthew Herbertson led the way with six goals, while Rick Munn also added five.
Just as special was a rare goal by defender Matt Rocco.
“He’s our full-back and we pushed him forward in the last quarter and he kicked his first goal since under-12s,” Denny said.
“It’s a long time between drinks so they absolutely got around him.”
Meanwhile, Westbourne Grammarians struck a psychological blow on the eve of the finals, toppling unbeaten minor premiers Canterbury by 15 points at the school ground.
Forward Dale Collins booted three crucial goals in a low-scoring game to end the regular season with a league-leading 106 in 16 matches.
The Warriors will meet Parkside in week one of the finals at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School on Sunday.
