Bulldogs coach Aidan Leishman has paid tribute to talented forward Pat Walker for his match-winning performance on Saturday.
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Walker, who is affectionately known by teammates as 'Tex', booted 11 goals as Wollongong recorded a thumping 25.16 (166) to 4.5 (29) win over Shellharbour at Myimbarr Oval.
The Bulldogs led by 50 points at half time before coming home with a wet sail, booting 15 goals to two to round out the victory.
"Big 'Tex' was on fire," Leishman said.
"He's always good for a few goals every week, but this week he had his kicking boots on so he kicked a bit straighter. I think we kicked 10 in the last quarter and he kicked seven of them. He played deep one out, and he kept leading up and catching them."
The win strengthened the Bulldogs' hold of second spot on the Men's Premier Division ladder with one round left until finals.
While they will face a stronger challenge against the Northern Districts next week, Leishman said he was still happy with Saturday's result.
"We were a bit slow out of the blocks, but it was good just to re-adjust and get our structures right at quarter time, and play our brand of footy," he said.
"Once we got that rolling, it became evident on the scoreboard."
Elsewhere, the Lions conceded three quick goals but managed to wrestle back control and push on to secure a 11.8 (74) to 7.6 (48) victory over Kiama at North Dalton Park.
And Northern Districts emerged victorious in a battle of the Tigers, beating Bomaderry by 19.3 (117) to 7.5 (47) at Hollymount Park.