UPDATE: The Point Cook Bulldogs are making waves in the Western Football League Division 1, surging to a crucial victory that has implications for the end of the season. Following a rocky start under new coach Saade Ghazi, the Bulldogs have transformed their performance, winning four out of their last five matches.
In a hard-fought battle on Saturday, the Bulldogs triumphed over Albion with a score of 8.10 (58)-5.7 (37), effectively ending Albion’s finals hopes. Ghazi expressed pride in his team’s progress, stating, “We’ve been really pleased with the group,” highlighting their resilience in challenging conditions.
The Bulldogs have faced consistency issues, with only three players featuring in every game this season. However, the team’s recent improvements suggest a bright future. Ghazi noted, “We’re doing it the right way to be sustainable for a long time,” emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in pursuit of long-term success.
On the field, Michael Cilmi and Max Rouvray each scored two goals, while Heath Schiavello, Lochlan Allen, and Billy Kolyniuk were named the best players of the match. The Bulldogs’ victory solidifies their momentum as they prepare for their final game of the season against Altona on Saturday.
Ghazi sees this upcoming match as a critical opportunity, stating, “I see it as a 50-50 game. We want to finish on a high.” Looking ahead, he is focused on maintaining the core of the current squad while seeking to add a few key players in the offseason. “Most of the improvement will come from within,” he remarked, noting that the majority of his players are under 25.
In other league news, Hoppers Crossing fell to the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 13.10 (88)-8.14 (62), a result that further complicates their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Werribee Districts secured a significant win against Sunshine, while Point Cook Centrals faced defeat against Caroline Springs.
As the Bulldogs gear up for their last match, all eyes will be on Point Cook to see if they can cap off the season with another victory, signaling their readiness for a stronger 2024 campaign. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting story develops.
