Seagulls into grand final
At half time of the semi final between Tooradin-Dalmore and Phillip Island, the Bulldogs would have been relatively pleased with their performance.
The competition's perennial powerhouse club was two goals up, and looking every bit a match for their opponents, who had claimed the minor premiership just two weeks earlier.
By full time, however, the story couldn't have been any more different. Phillip Island had kicked just one more goal for the game, where Tooradin-Dalmore had piled on 10 in that same time to register a statement 13.4 (82) to 6.9 (45) win, booking their place in the grand final as a result.
With many pundits viewing this game as a likely grand final preview, the result was always going to be of great interest to fans of the competition. The sides' two battles during the season had been split between them, with Tooradin-Dalmore's only loss of the year coming against Phillip Island.
However, given both of those games were wins to the respective home teams, the lack of any particular home ground advantage was going to be a telling factor in just who had the stronger claims to this year's title.
And in the end, it was Tooradin-Dalmore who reigned supreme, proving that they are the clear number one favourite for the premiership.
We've already known for many weeks now that they have boasted one of the most talented lists in the league, but the manner in which they responded when challenged by the other best team in the league made this just about their most impressive win of the year.
Early in the game, things certainly didn't look like going their way, after the Bulldogs' fierce tackling pressure disrupted their normally calm style of play. Phillip Island booted three goals to none in the first term, and by the time Jordy Patullo converted a shot early in the second a four-goal deficit loomed in front of the Seagulls. They were able to stabilise though, bringing the margin back to 12 points.
A half time switch of the magnets from the Tooradin-Dalmore coaching team saw ruckman Piva Wright move forward, while Brad Butler and James Tresize were given the enormous task of quelling Bulldogs' ruck Cameron Pedersen. The move proved fruitful, and a fivegoal-to-one third term saw the Seagulls up nine points going into the final change of ends.
The lead that they had claimed in that third quarter would end up being one they did not relinquish, as the hard work through the middle from Lewis Hill and James Livermore ensured that any resistance the Bulldogs might have had was quickly snuffed out. After looking so strong early, Phillip Island suddenly looked very far from the indominable side the competition has feared for so long.
The dam wall had broken, and five more unanswered goals to the Seagulls in the final term ensured they would be heading to the decider with a vengeance.
With their position in the grand final assured, Tooradin-Dalmore will be looking to break a 25-year premiership drought in two weeks. Given the dominance of their year thus far, they'll be going in as heavy favourites regardless of who they play.
For Phillip Island, it will be a case of licking their wounds and going again next week. They'll have to beat the Warragul Industrials in next week's preliminary final at Dalyston if they are to earn another shot at the Seagulls and the chance of yet another title.
The Bulldogs will be wary of the Dusties, given that they were just one of two sides to knock them off during the home-and-away season, the other being the Seagulls.
Regardless, both teams will be very aware that if they want to win the premiership, they'll have a very intimidating opponent standing in their way come grand final day.