By Tara Murray
Point Cook got some reward for effort as it put its second win on the board in the Western Football League division 1.
The Bulldogs have been in all of one of their matches this season, but hadn’t been able to get over the line on most occasions.
It was different on Saturday, as the Bulldogs were able to account for Albion, 11.10 (76)-7.14 (56).
Bulldogs coach Saade Ghazi said it was a pleasing result for the group.
“We played some pretty good footy,” he said. “We got off to a good start to the game and were able to hold on.”
Ghazi said there was a wind to one end of the ground and they were able to use it to their advantage in the first quarter when they led 34-4.
They were able to stay in front at half time and the margin was again 30 points at the last break.
Ghazi said the side was able to stay composed when it needed to be.
“We were challenged early in the last quarter,” he said. “They got the first two goals of the last quarter.
“We were able to hold them off.”
Michael Climi kicked four goals for the Bulldogs, while Mason Frenkel kicked three goals.
Billy Kolyniuk, Zayne Galea and Oscar May were named the Bulldogs best.
Ghazi said while they’ve only got two wins on the board, the results don’t show the whole story.
“We’ve had three of our four losses under a goal,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of players back and a few more to come back in the next few weeks.
“Take Werribee out, when we had seven changes from round one. We had some severe injuries too, we had one ACL and another one we thought was an ACL.
“It shocked the players. Since then they have been really competitive.”
The Bulldogs are set for a couple of big boosts this week against Altona.
Skipper Nick Buykx is back from suspension, while Brownlow medallist Dane Swan will play this week
Ghazi said it was big not just for Swan to play for them, but the impact to the whole club.
“It will be our biggest fundraiser for the club,” he said. “Dane will do a pie night with the juniors as well.
“There’s lots of reasons for him to play. For the kids, it’s not every day you get to play with a Brownlow medallist.
“He loves playing footy and having some fun. Hopefully we will get the win.”
Elsewhere, Hoppers Crossing got the points against Yarraville Seddon in a close one.
The Warriors trailed at three quarter time by 13 points before kicking four goals to none in the final quarter to win, 16.17 (113)-15.5 (95).
Werribee Districts was also on the winners list, as it smashed Sunshine, 25.15 (165)-3. 7 (25).
Daniel Nielson kicked seven goals for the Tigers.
Point Cook Centrals fell short in its match with Caroline Springs, losing 22.10 (142)-7.6 (48).