By Jack Heverin
Frankston have finally broken through for their first win of the 2009 season after defeating Bendigo by 23 points at Frankston Park.
In front of the vocal home crowd, the Dolphins showed they simply wanted to win more than their opposition, and that was particularly evident in their post game celebrations in the 16.12 (108) to 12.13 (85) triumph.
Both sides came out hard and played an attacking brand of football. With such a style of play comes mistakes, and both sides continually turned the ball over too each other. Aaron Murray was the spark the home needed, kicking three goals in the first 30 minutes.
It was Bendigo who laid the challenge down in the second term, slotting seven majors to go into the main break with a handy 22 point buffer. The Bombers used their pace to great effect, and made the most of their forays inside 50.
The Dolphins knew that this would be probably their best opportunity to grab that elusive victory, and they made their run in the third quarter with six goals. It wasn’t until the 29 minute mark of the term that Bendigo could kick a goal through Tyson Slattery.
Dolphins coach Shannon Grant made a passionate three quarter time address, and asked his midfielders to continue to run and create opportunities for their key forwards.
It was Frankston who answered the charge and played the better brand of football when it mattered most. An opportunist goal from livewire Ricky Morris, who has missed most of the season with hamstring problems, set the Dolphins alight.
Clinton Proctor sealed the victory halfway through the final term with a handy crumbing goal to send the home crowd into celebrations. The players’ body language in the final 10 minutes was that of a side who had got the monkey off their back.
Marcus Marigliani was simply outstanding for the Dolphins, and was clearly the best player on the ground. He answered the call from Grant at three quarter time, and lead from the front all afternoon.
Aaron Murray provided a superb target inside 50 with five goals, while bringing the ball to ground whenever he couldn’t mark it.
Michael Hibberd again showed why he is considered a chance at winning a rookie list spot with another courageous and workmanlike performance across half back.
For the Bombers, Irishman Michael Quinn looked dangerous up forward with three goals, while Jay Neagle presented well all afternoon with two majors.
Leroy Jetta had the ball on a string through the middle of the ground, and showed plenty of brilliance to avoid tackles, while Michael Hurley worked hard in defence.
Frankston 4.2 6.8 12.10 16.12 (108)
| Bendigo Bombers 3.5 10.6 11.10 12.13 (85)
GOALS:Frankston: Murray 5 Lourey 2 Lombardozzi 2 Proctor 2 Marigliani Conroy Berry Morris Pollard
Bendigo Bombers: Quinn 3 Neagle 2 Redpath 2 Jetta Myers Byrne Slattery Hulme
BEST:Frankston: Hibberd Marigliani Lombardozzi Murray Pollard Magner
Bendigo Bombers: Flaherty Hurley Jetta Thomson Myers Quinn
REPORTED PLAYERS:Frankston: Nil
Bendigo Bombers: Nil
Last Modified on 14/07/2009 15:30