Tara Murray
Sometimes you have to win ugly and that was the case for Point Cook in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Bulldogs and Spotswood played out a low scoring tussle on Saturday, which won’t be one many people watch back.
Despite not making the most of their opportunities, the Bulldogs came away with the points, 5.14 (44)-6.5 (41).
Bulldogs coach Clay Smith said it was a frustrating game to watch.
“It was an arm wrestle all day,” he said. “Kicking 4.14 doesn’t help either. Had we converted a few more we would have been a bit clearer and it would have been less stressful.
“It was good to come away with the win.”
The Woodsmen kicked the only two goals of the opening quarter, before the Bulldogs kicked 3.5 in the second quarter to take the lead.
It was one goal apiece in the third quarter and while they were outscored in the final quarter, the Bulldogs were able to do enough.
Smith said being able to win in those situations is something the team is learning to do this season.
“Winning ugly,” he said. “Went you’re not playing your best footy and you can still come away with the four points is good.
“We would have liked the boys to have played a little bit better and a bit more free flowing, but we’ll take the win.”
Smith said they missed three or four easy shots in front of goal and another three or four that were really good chances.
Having already lost one game this season after kicking themselves out of it, goal kicking remains a big focus of the Bulldogs.
Smith said Spotswood’s straight kicking especially in the first half kept them in it.
Smith said Billy Kolynluk was the standout in the win.
“Down back he had a really good game,” he said. “He stood tall late when the game was on the line.”
Smith said they had a couple of injuries late in the game, but it would be a wait and see on how serious they were.
The win has the Bulldogs sitting 5-2 having played everyone once.
For the Bulldogs first year coach, it’s something he’s happy with considering they were in the regulation battle last season.
“We would have definitely taken 5-2 at the start of the season,” he said.
“We are rapt. We’ve been in every single game and matched it with the best. We lost to Werribee Districts, but kicked 7.15 which didn’t help.
“It’s good for the boys that they know they can match it with everyone in the competition.”
The Bulldogs this week have a bye due to playing in the only division 1 match on the King’s Birthday weekend.
Having had a bye last week, Smith said they would have rather played this week.
Smith said they would look to address the way they use the break, having been a bit flat heading into the Spotswood game.
In other results, Werribee Districts remain undefeated after beating Caroline Springs, while Point Cook Centrals and Hoppers Crossing both suffered losses.
