ON PAPER the Frankston/Sandringham clash appeared an even contest, but reality told a much different story, Ryan Lepore reports.
An eight-goal-to-one opening quarter set up a dominant win for Frankston, snapping a six game losing streak and registering their biggest winning margin in five years.
The Dolphins won all four quarters, prevailing 23.10 (148) to Sandringham 8.4 (52) in front of a raucous home crowd at Frankston Oval.
With a strong breeze at their backs, the Dolphins’ first quarter was emphatic.
After Sandringham bagged the first major of the day through Ahmed Saad, Frankston responded with eight unanswered goals to capture a 51-point lead at the first change.
The Dolphins blistering run was highlighted by a spectacular mark and goal from Ziggy Alwan, a contender for the mark of the year.
It was Sandringham’s turn to make the most of the stiff wind and the Zebras were off to the perfect start with three of the first four goals of the term.
But that seemed to spark the Dolphins into gear and they went onto to kick five of the next six goals to end the half.
Michael Lourey was dominant up forward, booting five goals to give Frankston a commanding 58-point lead at the main break.
The news got worse for Sandringham at half time with last week’s Blue Ribbon Medalist, Myke Cook, limping off the ground with a heavily iced left knee, and not take any further part in the match.
Russell Gabriel was simply outstanding in the ruck and continually gave first use to the Dolphins midfield who were lead by co-captain’s Luke Potts (33 disposals, 10 marks) and Leigh Kitchin (24 disposals, 2 goals), with Shane Hockey (29 disposals) also prominent.
The third quarter was much like the first with the Dolphins running riot, slamming on another six goals to one for the term.
Sam Lloyd and young Khan Haretuku kicked two goals each to extend the margin to 90 points at the final break.
The Zebras showed some heart in the last term and looked like they may win the last quarter, but the Dolphins rallied and kicked the final three goals of the match, including Lourey’s sixth after the siren to seal an emphatic victory and revive Frankston’s final hopes.
Coach Simon Goosey lauded the team’s four quarter display, highlighting the important benefit of belief his young side now has.
“We’ve been there about for most of the year... but our ability to play four quarters was the most important thing today,” Goosey said.
“There has been inner belief within the group that we’re on the right track so it was nice to put four quarters together today and the boys are feeling good about themselves.”
For the Zebras, Tom Curren worked tirelessly all day racking up 30 disposals and kicking a goal. Tom Ledger (25), Josh Saunders (20) and Adam Cockie (22) could also hold their heads up high, although the latter suffered a leg injury and didn’t return after three quarter time.
Frankston will look to carry their momentum up to Bendigo next week to face the Gold, while Sandringham will have a must-win match against fellow finals aspirant North Ballarat.
Picture: Dave Savell
You can follow Ryan Lepore on twitter @ryanlepore
2013 Peter Jackson VFL
Frankston 8.3 14.6 20.9 23.10 (148)
Sandringham 1.0 5.2 6.3 8.4 (52)
GOALS:
Frankston: Lourey 6 Lloyd 4 Cass 3 Kitchin 2 Alwan 2 Haretuku 2 Simpson Pongracic Irving Calvert
Sandringham: Ledger Siposs Saad Maitland Staley Shakallis Cockie Curren
BEST:
Frankston: Potts, Lourey, Alwan, Gabriel, Simpson, Kitchin
Sandringham: Cockie, Saad, Wright, Curren, Saunders, Ledger
Last Modified on 24/06/2013 11:21