Tara Murray
The early signs are good for Point Cook in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition, with a big win against Hoppers Crossing on Good Friday.
With new coaches and different looking sides for both clubs, it was a little bit of an unknown how the two teams would fare.
The Bulldogs were the better team early and led by 14 points at quarter time. The Bulldogs took control of the match in the second quarter and were able to build on the lead in the middle two quarters.
A nine goal final quarter was the icing on the cake as the Bulldogs won 20.15 (135)-6.7 (43).
Bulldogs coach Clay Smith said it was an ideal start to the season.
“We’re very happy,” he said.
“It was really good and over the weekend we looked at the footage over the weekend. We didn’t know how strong they were going to be and how we were going to mesh together with a few new players and the young boys coming up.
“To come up with a win like that we’re very happy.”
Smith said the midfield dominance was the key for the side in the win. He said they were able to keep the ball in forward half for most of the game.
“The clearance dominate was good,” he said.
“Paul [Tsapatolis] in the ruck was the most influential player on the day. We won the hit outs, 49-4, which always helps.
“The backs were solid and the forwards had a good game, but we kicked a lot of points.”
Smith said the addition of Tsapatolis along with Daniel Burton, meant that they had plenty of strength in the ruck.
Andrew Robinson also played in the reserves, giving them another tall option, after not having any depth last season.
Max Rouvray kicked five goals in the win, while Joshua Kuppen chipped in with four goals.
Smith said it was good having two of the younger boys step up and make the most of their opportunities.
He said they spoke about that with the group, knowing that they now had some mature and experienced bodies around the young guys to support them.
Joining Tsapatolis in the best was Shaun Wyatt, Simon Deery and Luke Dahlhaus.
For the Warriors, it was all single goal kickers.
Riley Fisher and David Barbieri were named the Warriors best.
While happy with the first up win, Smith said they weren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“We’re taking it week, by week,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed the win, but we’re back at training tomorrow [Tuesday] night,” he said.
“There’s still lots of areas to improve on. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
The Bulldogs this week face Point Cook Centrals in the local derby.
It will be the Sharks first game in division 1 after going through last season undefeated on the way to the division 2 premiership last year.
Smith said they were hoping to see a good crowd to watch the local sides face off.
In the other game on Good Friday, Sunshine beat Albion, 16.15 (111)-12.6 (78).
