Bruthen capped off an unbeaten Omeo District Football Netball League (ODFNL) home-and-away season with a clinical dissection of Lindenow South in round 15 action at the
Lindenow Recreation Reserve.
The Bulldogs have been challenged several times throughout their 12 victories this campaign, but they have consistently found another gear to get the job done.
Smart off-season recruiting brought the likes of Dylan Somerville, Brendan Flinn, Dylan Doecke, Nick Ward, Lucas Lakey and Jake Keown to the roster — all of whom have impressed. Ward has missed recent weeks through injury but is set to return for the finals, where the Bulldogs expect a fierce challenge from Swifts Creek, the only side to get within 15 points of them this season.
The Bulldogs set the tone early last Saturday, kicking six goals in the opening term and 29 for the match while keeping the hapless Swampies goalless in a commanding 197-point win.
Jirra Moffatt was the chief beneficiary of an avalanche of inside-50s, snaring 11 goals to seal another ODFNL goalkicking title. Moffatt finished the home-and-away campaign with 46 goals — four clear of Buchan’s Tyson Siddle and Swifts Creek’s Oscar Brazzale.
Harley Kenner was again in outstanding form for Bruthen, finishing three goals further back on 39 after booting a bag of seven. He remains one of the firm favourites for another league best-and-fairest award. Long-kicking Somerville and power forward Ethan Hubbard chipped in with two goals apiece.
Standouts were plentiful for the premiership favourites as their midfielders and half-backs gathered leather at will — an ideal warm-up on the same ground where they will battle Swifts Creek on August 15.
Moffatt and Kenner were dominant, while Daniel Hasler and skipper Richie Harrison were resolute in defence. Harrison found unlimited space on the wing to continually pump his side inside 50, while Somerville and Flinn made every possession count with deep, accurate kicking. In the backline, Doecke was again reliable as he turns his focus toward a key final match-up with Brazzale.
It was a tough afternoon for the Swampies, who have nonetheless shown gradual improvement under coach David Dennison,
claiming one victory this season. Dennison pulled double duty on Saturday as both coach and team runner.
Lindenow South was well led by veterans Jamie Donnelly, Sam Howden and Daniel Jones, while Ashley Shiels, Harrison Page and Lochie Kennedy battled hard all day.
