THE Bunbury Bulldogs opened their account in style when they claimed their first win of the year with a stunning fourth quarter comeback over South Bunbury in a nail-biting WA Day Derby.
After being kept scoreless in the third term, the Bulldogs booted four majors to South Bunbury’s zero in the final quarter to end the game 7.6.48 to 5.14.44 victors.
The young Bulldogs started the game sluggish putting up just one point in the first quarter.
But South Bunbury was not much better as they posted 2.2.14 with the wind at their backs to lead by 13 points at the first change.
South Bunbury ruckman Chris Andrew was playing well around the ground while the Bunbury forward line struggled to find continuity in their game.
But a more attacking Bunbury outfit took to the field in the second with youngsters Braiden McMullen and Connor Walker going hard at contests for the Dogs.
The Bulldogs posted three goals in the second quarter but allowed South Bunbury to kick two of their own.
Best on ground Damon Bull was working hard for the Tigers with teammate Ben Jerez was also providing some dash.
The third quarter saw the Tigers take the advantage through general play, but they will be ruing missed opportunities in front of goal.
South Bunbury booted one goal and six behinds in the third as their defence kept Bunbury scoreless, giving the Tigers a 19-point lead at the final change.
But the fourth quarter turned the game on its head as Bunbury possessed all momentum.
It provided spectators with a glimpse into how bright the Bulldogs’ future is as their young players stepped up when it mattered most.
Walker was especially good at finding space in the final period while Logan Giblett used the ball well.
Bunbury’s first goal of the quarter came through another young star in Cameron Lamonaca before McMullen followed up with some fancy work in the goal square.
Trailing by just eight points, Giblett produced a miracle goal from the boundary line to put them within two.
South Bunbury tried hard to regain the momentum but could not stop the Dogs as Brad Blake kicked truly after a good handball from McMullen to give his side the lead.
The Tigers fought tooth and nail to get to the ball forward in the final five minutes but Bunbury stood firm to pull off a thrilling WA Day Derby win.
Pictures by Justin Rake.
