Dogs show no mercy
Newborough have waited for more than 13 years to fly a senior premiership flag and on Saturday realised their dream when they defeating Yallourn-Yallourn North 12-15 (87) to 5-16 (46).
Current coach Dean Caldow was player/coach back in 2003 and he also brought success to the Dogs on Saturday, albeit in the non-playing role.
Newborough's success lay in the way he moved his players around adapting to most positions.
Dean MacDonald was busy early as was Tom Hutton for the Bombers but goals were scarce as players were gang tackled as soon as they got the ball.
It was a tense battle between two teams eager to gain the upper hand. At quarter time, Yallourn was 3-6 with Newborough 2-3.
Tom Hutton had two goals up by quarter's end with MacDonald one. Liam Carolan was proving a headache for Yallourn and he skipped in for the first and third, but it was goal for goal in an exciting quarter.
Josh Hecker was proving a valuable player for Newborough and Anthony Rosato, who wore a protective helmet, was quiet early but as the Dogs cranked up he became one of the star turns.
Newborough were beginning to outsmart the Bombers and with Adam Kennedy in a decisive role in defence were able to limit the Bombers' chances.
Lone Bombers forward MacDonald was under pressure but turned a few tricks with two more goals before half time for a half-time lead of two points at half time.
Newborough levelled the score within the first minute of the third. After Phillip Hicks goaled in the third it was one-way traffic for the Bulldogs.
A potential Bombers’ fightback came to nothing as Newborough packed the back line. By the end of the term, the Bombers had eight behinds.
By the 20th minute the Dogs’ lead had blown out to 23 points, which stood until three quarter time.
The final quarter was a nightmare for Yallourn-Yallourn North with another three behinds confirming that what started out as a promising performance declined to a poor second half.
Newborough ran out winners with Carolan scoring four goals and Chris Hancock two, while MacDonald scored three and Hutton two for the Bombers.
Standout players for the Bulldogs were Wilson (AFL Victoria medal), Adam Kennedy (Bill McConville medal), Carolan, Robertson and Josh Hecker.
For the Bombers Brown, Todd Dobson and Owen Budge were their best in a rotten day.
Yallourn-Yallourn North at least won a premiership when they defeated Newborough 9-10 (64) to 6-2 (38) in the reserves.
It was a good display by the Bombers who beat the top team for the second and most important match of the season.
David Ivey was strong for the Bombers and his experience led the team to a good win with four goals.
Josh Hall, Brett Harvey and Braden Paulett (Trevor Callow medal) were good players.
The Bulldogs found it difficult to goal but Mick Gelagotis played hard with two goals and best player with Nathan and Jarrod Steward also amongst the best.
It was three in a row for Mirboo North as their thirds under Josh Taylor had a huge win over Yinnar, 16-5 (101) to 7-4 (46).
Mirboo North were too big and tall for their Yinnar opponents.
A seven goal to nil third quarter set up the Tigers for the win.
Hudson Kerr (AFL Victoria) medal), Riley, Oddy, Lachlan Barry and Kyle Wilson were best for Mirboo North.
Dylan Pappas, Riley Flanigan, Daniel Schneider and Darius Mehran were best for Yinnar.
In a close, good game Newborough pulled out all stops to beat a determined Mirboo North team 6-10 (46) to 6-8 (44).
With only a minute to play, scores were level for the third time during the match.
The young Bulldogs won with two behinds within 45 seconds at the 19minute mark.