This weekend brings upon a thrilling ABC TV Match of the Round when two Peter Jackson VFL Clubs from either end of the ladder go head to head in an attempt to reach very different goals.
The Frankston Dolphins and the Casey Scorpions sit rungs apart on the ladder and have developed distinctively separate reputations to boot.
The Dolphins have been known to push every team to their limits no matter their positioning in each round. However, they have also been lumped with the characteristic of struggling to clinch games in the dying minutes.
Round 3 was no exception with Frankston going down to this week’s opposition, the Casey Scorpions by 1 point.
Dolphins Coach Simon Goosey has been able to take positive aspects from the slim loss.
“We took a lot from that Round 3 game, the effort and the way we played, how we set up really gave us a chance to win the game. Unfortunately we didn't make the most of our opportunities and lost by a point. We'll go in this week with confidence knowing if we bring effort we'll give ourselves every chance to win the game, we've got a lot to prove.”
Although their ladder position portrays a gloomy picture, Frankston have produced vast development on previous years.
“The effort and improvement in the group has been great. Obviously we would've liked a few more wins but to compete with the best shows we're not far off the mark there's defiantly light at the end of the tunnel,” Goosey said.
On the other hand, the Casey Scorpions have developed a reputation for winning games that many believe were not theirs to triumph.
Out of the Scorpions 12 victories this season, seven have been secured by less than 10 points. Most recently Casey demonstrated their strong will and maturity by shattering a five goal Bendigo lead at three quarter time, to steal a three point victory from the Gold.
Casey’s line up will only be strengthened this weekend with the addition of Melbourne listed player Tom Couch. The exciting midfielder returns to the VFL after representing the Demons in two AFL matches.
Couch is no stranger to buzzer beating wins, acting as the Scorpions hero in a dramatic four point win over Sandringham in Round 13. Couch kicked a 50m goal from a free in the final 30 seconds to put his side in front.
This weekend’s encounter provides the Scorpions with two entertaining opportunities. Lining up against the competition’s bottom side could supply them with the possibility of accumulating the much needed percentage that has driven a wedge between them and ladder leaders Port Melbourne. However, it also provides Casey with the prospect of extending the gaping hole between the top two sides and the rest of the competition. A win against Frankston could all but secure the Scorpions a top two spot leading into finals.
Can Frankston defy the odds and break their winning drought to cause the upset of the season?
Frankston vs Casey Scorpions
Saturday 28th July – 1:10pm
Frankston Oval
Live on ABCTV from 1pm
Last Modified on 27/07/2012 15:31