Frankston recorded their second win for the season, thrashing a hapless Coburg side 17.13.115 to 7.6.48 at Frankston Oval on Sunday as Anna Harrington reports.
The Dolphins led all day and won all four quarters, providing the highlight of a tough season and confirming their status as the Tigers’ bogey team.
Khan Haretuku and ruckman Russell Gabriel provided tall targets across the ground for the Dolphins, while defender Mark Baguley racked up possessions, kicking two goals in the process.
For the Tigers, Sam Power worked relentlessly through the midfield, while young Richmond-listed tall forward Nick Westhoff presented well and earned two majors for his efforts.
Frankston coach Simon Goosey said he was particularly pleased with his side’s effort across four quarters after several encouraging but up-and-down performances earlier in the season.
“[I’m] really happy with the way the boys went, it was the first game we’ve really put 120 minutes of football in,” Goosey said.
“We show a lot of form in patches and you do get that with a young side but to me every quarter was really pleasing.
“We’ve got a long way to go but the boys did themselves proud and… [with] the way they went about it today [with] such a young group – they were excellent.”
Goosey held high praise for draft prospect Baguley and said he could follow in the footsteps of former Dolphin Michael Hibberd, who was drafted by Essendon after a stellar 2010 VFL season.
“I can’t see [a] reason why [he wouldn’t get drafted]… he’s just a competitor – that’s the best way to describe him,” Goosey said.
“He hates getting beaten and really throws himself at everything.”
Frankston flew out of the blocks, Gabriel giving his side first use out of the middle and soon capitalised on their midfield dominance, Jake Creely earning a free kick in the forward pocket and slotting the testing set shot.
Tiger Willie Wheeler earned the jeers of the home crowd as he sprayed a simple shot running into goal and Joel Miller later capitalised, his long bomb bouncing through for the Dolphins’ second.
Chris Doria followed up Miller’s effort with a spectacular goal from the boundary, leading the home side to a 20-point lead at the first break.
While the visitors kicked three goals in the second quarter, Frankston continued to dominate, kicking seven majors of their own, Shane Hockey and Luke Clark chipping in with two apiece.
Clark’s second goal, in response to a pair of Coburg majors, came after a superb one-on-one contested mark, the enigmatic forward’s kick on the halftime siren gifting the home side a 10.4.64 – 3.3.21 lead at the main break.
After half time the Dolphins again came out firing, majors to Rob Clements and Haretuku opening the quarter, the latter’s presence up forward again offering encouraging signs for the Dolphins.
Matthew White worked hard to provide run throughout the quarter and also earned himself a goal for Coburg, leaving the Tigers trailing 13.7.85 – 5.3.33 heading into the final break.
At the huddle, despite his side holding a 52-point lead, Goosey urged the Dolphins to “show no mercy” and win the final quarter, ensuring a complete victory.
Coburg struck first, Westhoff opening the scoring for the Tigers, as he got on the end of a dashing run from White before converting the set shot.
But Frankston soon took control, kicking the next three goals, Baguley reaping the rewards of his hard work as he topped off his day with two classy majors.
Late in the match, Westhoff again showed off his potential, surprising the Dolphins’ defence as he cleverly dribbled the ball from the boundary for his second goal.
But it was the Dolphins who would finish the game on a high as Gabriel capped off a dominant performance in the ruck, receiving the ball from a fast break and sauntering into an open goal, his kick ensuring Frankston ran out 67-point winners.
The Dolphins have now won four of their last six matches against Coburg, and all of Frankston's last three wins have been against the Tigers.
This week, the Dolphins will finish off their season at home, taking on second-placed Williamstown at Frankston Oval while Coburg travel to Queen Elizabeth Oval for their clash with Bendigo.
Last Modified on 23/08/2011 09:20