BULLDOGS END REIGNING PREMIER’S QUEST FOR BACK-TO-BACK FLAGS
By CONNOR PAIN
Point Cook booked is spot in the 2023 TIV Division One Senior’s Grand Final thanks to a conclusive 11.11(77) to 8.7(55) win against Altona, ending the reigning premier’s quest for back-to-back flags.
History awaits as it’s the first Division One decider for the Bulldogs whose date with destiny leads them to minor premiers Werribee Districts.
Playing away at Yarraville Oval, it was the home side that exploded out of the blocks in the first term.
Altona held firm defensively early but soon wobbled as a relentless attack saw mistakes made, poor disposal, and Point Cook kicking the opening five goals of the game.
The second quarter saw the Vikings regain a footing in the match and win the term as Connor Menadue came alive, but a vocal boundary side support buoyed Point Cook who still led by 25-points at the half.
The main break did little to quell the Bulldogs dominance as they kept Altona to a solitary point and further extended their led, all but putting the game to bed.
The run and spread from defence was devastatingly effective all day, but it was the back six of Point Cook who controlled the tempo of the game.
Forays forward were snuffed out with ease and any time the Vikings got momentum, the defensive unit slowed the game down and took the sting out of it by spreading the ball across half back.
Altona didn’t quit in the final term as they booted five goals to two but the damage had been done.
Vikings coach Cory McCall ending his last game in charge going down by 22-points, two wins short of a repeat premiership.
Menadue was Altona’s best with a game-high five goals but the star of the show was Daniel Burton.
Playing in ruck, helping out in defence and kicking a major, the Bulldog did it all in helping his side reach a groundbreaking grand final and will go up against Werribee Districts’ Ben McMahon in what shapes as a titanic matchup.
The top two sides in the home and away season will now battle in the season decider at Avalon Airport Oval.
Districts are clear favourites and enter having lost just once all season while the Bulldogs will have nothing to lose and will look to spoil the Werribee party.