The second quarter saw a shift in momentum, as Daylesford kicked long and direct into its forward line.

In perfect conditions for football, Daylesford struggled to maintain a large lead but still managed to win by 29 points.

The game boasted the exciting debut of Haydn Mobbs, who didn't look to be in awe of his larger opponents.

Continually getting in and under the packs and dishing out handballs, Mobbs was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing first quarter for the Bulldogs.

Clunes kicked the first two goals of the match but it was not until the 15-minute mark of the first term that Daylesford got their first goal, booted by Cade O'Brien.

Clunes held a two-point lead at the first break.

The second quarter saw a shift in momentum, as Daylesford kicked long and direct into its forward line.

Jack Savige provided a good target at center half-forward, while full-forward Andrew Button had a purple patch kicking three goals for the quarter.

Daylesford took back the lead to be up by 16 points at half-time.

The Bulldog's defence worked hard in the third quarter, keeping Clunes to just one goal for the term.

The reliable Tom Reeves was fantastic with his spoil work, allowing Zac Tisdale and Peter Jenkin to run the ball out of the backline and set up numerous attacks.

The Bulldogs appeared to have buried their opponents in this term, kicking five majors and taking a 44-point lead into the final quarter.

However, a poor last-quarter showing - where Clunes kicked five goals - put a dampener on what was a big lead.

Some final-quarter brilliance by Shane Botheras prevented total embarrassment for the Bulldogs, who now host Beaufort at Jayco Oval in what may prove to be one of the games of the round.