Daylesford 21.14 (140)

Clunes 9.5 (59)

DAYLESFORD is peaking at the right time of the season, according to coach Joel Adams.

The Bulldogs produced their best performance of the CHFL season last Saturday, defeating Clunes by 81 points at Victoria Park.

The 21.14 (140) to 9.5 (59) win consolidated the Bulldogs in eighth place on the ladder.

“That’s probably the best footy we’ve played all year,’’ a delighted Daylesford coach Joel Adams said.

“We let ourselves down a bit in the first quarter by letting Clunes score some easy goals, but after that we were very good.

“The second quarter was the best quarter we’ve played.

“We’re starting to get some momentum going.”

The Bulldogs trailed Clunes by four points at quarter-time, but turned the game on its head in the second term with an eight-goal-to-two blitz.

“We ran the ball really well in that second quarter,’’ Adams said.

“The ground was still sticky, but not as wet as other weeks, and those conditions seemed to suit us.”

Veteran ruckman Scott Winduss led the charge for the Bulldogs with a best-on-ground performance.

Youngster Patty Rowe relished his elevation into the on-ball brigade and won plenty of the ball.

Mick Cummings dominated through the middle of the ground and in attack where he kicked five goals.

Young centre half-forward Risstrom  continued his impressive form, kicking four goals, while Darcy Shewell added three goals.

Jason Mackley, who did a fine job in the ruck in the first half of the season when Winduss was absent, was superb across half-back.

This week the Bulldogs face sixth-placed Springbank. Both sides have an 8-5 record and need to keep winning to ensure they make the top eight.

“It’s a big game for us,’’ Adams said.

“I’d like to think if we win this week that we’d be pretty much set in the eight.

“Springbank is a quality side, so it’s going to be a good test for us.”