BULLDOGS CLAIM POINT COOK BRAGGING RIGHTS
By CONNOR PAIN
Point Cook survived a first-quarter onslaught to hand Point Cook Centrals its first loss in over a full calendar year, 13.8(86) to 12.10(82).
The Bulldogs were gallant in the wet, overturning a five-goal deficit after the opening term, thanks in large part to Max Rouvray’s game-high four majors.
The Sharks got the perfect start after unfurling their 2022 premiership flag with an eight-goal to three first term and showed no issues with Division One football.
Clay Smith’s men heeded his message at the quarter time break and got on top at the contest, getting first use of the ball. A stout defence held the hosts goalless as the Bulldogs entered the half up by four points.
Neither side could gain a major advantage in the third despite the Centrals registering six behinds and take a slim lead into the final term.
Point Cook took control in the fourth, two late goals made it a nervy finish but the Bulldogs held firm and moved to 2-0 ahead of a clash with Yarraville Seddon Eagles in Round 2.
Luke Denny and Luke Dahlhaus were standouts for the visitors.
The Sharks can hold their heads high in their first hit out in Division One, but can atone for the loss when they travel to face Caroline Springs this week.
Caroline Springs used a balanced attack to earn its first win of the season, knocking off Hoppers Crossing by 17-points.
The Warriors started strongly after a disappointing loss on Good Friday but couldn’t add to their first quarter lead, as the Lakers lead after the second and third quarters.
The visitors got the job done in a tough last term, extending their lead and running out 11.16(82) to 10.5(65) victors.
Hoppers Crossing face archrivals Werribee Districts on Anzac Day in search of their first win.
Altona ground out a hard fought 9.8(62) to 5.10(40) win against Yarraville Seddon Eagles, getting its premiership defence off to the perfect start.
The Vikings lead at each break and were led from the front by the Menadue brothers, Connor and Joel, who each booted two majors. They face Spotswood in Round 2.
A 14 goal to two first half was enough to see Werribee Districts to a huge 93-point thumping against Spotswood.
Trent Lee and Lachlan Rainbow each kicked four goals but it was Andrew Panayi who was Werribee’s best, as the Tigers won each quarter.