VU student's best on ground as the Bulldogs win secures them a spot in the Semi Finals.
The Western Bulldogs are through to the Semi Final, and will face the Brisbane Lions for a showdown at the Gabba.
The first half of the Elimination Final against Essendon was fairly tight, goal for goal and a margin of only three points by half time. But the second half saw the Bulldogs bounce back through determination, grit and belief. Eight straight goals, and keeping the Bombers at bay, resulted in a dominant 49 point win.
Eight VU students and one alumnus (Easton Wood) lined up against Essendon. Although VU's player ambassador Zaine Cordy was rubbed out due to illness before first bounce, his substitute and fellow VU Polytechnic student Ryan Gardiner (Advanced Diploma Building Design (Architectural) 22477VIC) was fired up ready to go.
Enrolled VU Bachelor of Business students - Josh Dunkley, Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae - were amongst the best on ground. Bachelor of Education P-12 student Aaron Naughton took two impressive marks and kicked three goals for the game. While Cody Weightman who is currently enrolled in Bachelor of Sport Science (Human Movement) was instrumental in the victory, booting a game-high four goals.
Western Bulldogs Coach Luke Beveridge, also took time to praise stand-in ruckman Lewis Young, who is currently studying a dual Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business.
Luke Beveridge believes his players never lost the belief they could mix it with the best teams during the finals and that confidence remains high within his camp.
VU is so proud of the efforts of our students who played in the Elimination Final and we wish them all the best for the Semi's this week.
We encourage all our staff and students to stand behind the Bulldogs and show your red, white and blue.
The game will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven network and Fox Footy, and streamed live on Kayo.
First Semi Final
Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday, September 4, 7.20pm
The Gabba
