Bunyip work hard
Bunyip were made to work hard for victory with Garfield putting in an admirable effort in going down 12-5 (77) to 8-9 (57).
The Stars are only percentage outside the top six and in a position to push for a finals berth heading into the second half of the season, and pushed a Bunyip side who are pushing for a premiership.
The Bulldogs made a strong start, kicking five goals to one to race out to a 17 point lead at the first change.
But the Stars were able to peg them back, heading into half time with a three point deficit.
The Bulldogs kicked three goals to one in the third term to open up a handy buffer again before holding the Stars at bay in the final term.
Kris Bedford and Mitch Davies each kicked three goals for the Bulldogs, who were boosted by the inclusion of Ben Ross.
Lachlan Petch defended well, while Michael Whyte and Sam O’Sullivan set up opportunities through the midfield.
John Atwell and Will Collis stood tall for the Stars, while Daniel Helmore, Tyson Payne, Ned Marsh and Joel Morgan were also prominent.
Bulldogs bite Stars
Bunyip won a low scoring Reserves encounter, 5-9 (39) to 3-1 (19).
The Bulldogs edged out to an eight point lead at half time and while struggling to score themselves, held the Stars scoreless in the second half to set up the win.
Bryce Morton, Josh Masset, Tyson Buckingham, Sam Dowie, James Hynes and Steve Berryman led the way for the Bulldogs.
The Stars were best served by Dan Clebney, Jay Engellener, Tim Hatherall, Michael Johnson and Rick Kamphuis.
Stars too strong
Garfield were too strong in the under 18s, running out big winners 9-14 (68) to 0-1 (1).
Early inaccuracy kept the Bulldogs in the contest, but the Stars clicked into gear in the second half to run away with it.
Mitchell Tribuzi kicked three goals, while Bradley Morgan, Brett Coffey, Jonty Bow, Alexander Sabbatucci, Matthew Turner and Damion Denysenko were also prominent for the Stars.
Bunyip were best served by Bailley Stokes, Thomas Richter, Elliott Knight, Aaron Broughton, Trent Jayamaha and Matthew O’Halloran.
Stars finish stronger
Garfield finished strongest to complete a come from behind victory over Bunyip in the under 16s, 44 (28) to 4-1 (25).
Bunyip held a 10 point lead heading into the final change and were seemingly in control before being stunned by the Stars, who kicked three goals to one in the final term to pinch victory by just three points.
It was Joseph Verleg, Liam and Matthew Bow, Trent McMahon, Tully Loomes and Ethan Sauze who willed the Stars across the line.
Josh Murphy, Lachlan Shaw, Alex McMillan, Ethan Carlile and Daniel Brown battled on for Bunyip.