BULLDOGS SHOW FIGHT IN FINAL QUARTER
By RHYS WOOSNAM
Round 5 of the 2018 season almost saw a major upset, as the Point Cook Bulldogs narrowly escaped victory against North Footscray. For the first three quarters of the match, the third-placed Devils held the ascendancy and were 10 points in-front heading into the final stanza.
The last quarter finally saw Point Cook switch gears, coming from behind with five goals to zero, eventually winning by 23-points.
Point Cook was lead by a three goal performance from Andrew Auciello, who took his season tally to 12. Wayde Skipper also chipped in with two majors, while Jason Butty kicked two for North Footscray.
Point Cook will face Parkside next, while the Devils will be looking to bounce back against the Newport Power.
The biggest win of the round saw current ladder-leaders and premiership favourites Yarraville-Seddon absolutely destroy Newport to the tune of 99-points. The Power had no answers for the Eagles and their brutal attack and dour defence, as they were not able to kick a goal until the third quarter.
The result was all but confirmed by half-time, when the Eagles held a massive 74-point lead. They took the foot off the pedal after the main break, kicking just seven goals to Newport’s three, waltzing to a comfortable victory.
Yarraville-Seddon’s Corey Salvador put on a star-making performance, booting a season-high nine goals which took him to the top of the goal kicking table.
Manor Lakes continued on from their maiden win last week with a strong contest and eventual victory against Albanvale, besting the Cobras by 31-points after a tight match.
GALLERY – ALBANVALE V MANOR LAKES
Despite leading at every change, the Storm couldn’t put their opponents away until the final quarter, kicking three goals to one to pick up their second win in 2018. After a slow start to the season, the Storm now sit in fifth place and within striking distance of the top four and a potential finals spot.
The final match of the round saw Parkside have a comfortable win over West Footscray by 41-points, keeping the Roosters in the bottom two with a solitary victory. Luke Buttigieg booted six majors for Parkside, with Riley O’Shea kicked four as well.