Port Melbourne has created their own piece of VFL history with a 28-point win over Bendigo Gold at the QEO in Bendigo on Easter Saturday as Thomas Dullard reports.
A final quarter fight back gave the Borough their 24th straight VFL victory – the most of any current Peter Jackson VFL club.
Whilst Port have a long way to go to reach the all time VFA/VFL record of 58 straight games achieved by North Melbourne between 1914-1919, the Borough’s achievement deserves acknowledgement in the changing landscape of the VFL in the modern era.
After trailing by 2 points at three quarter time, Port slammed on six goals to Bendigo’s one in the last quarter to win 19.10 (124) to 14.12 (96).
The match made history in more ways than one. It was the first time Bendigo played on their home turf with their new nickname – Bendigo Gold. They showed some glimpses of what is to come under their new moniker, by pushing the reigning VFL premiers to the limits.
It was Port Melbourne’s elite players who got them over the line with some final quarter heroics. Dean Galea, Shane Valenti, John Baird and Chris Cain ensured the Borough continued their winning streak. Gun forward Galea inspired his teammates with three of his five majors coming when it mattered most.
Cain was also damaging up forward along with Billy Burstin, who is combining his brilliance with some more consistent football.
Tom Bellchambers was hard to stop all day for Bendigo Gold, despite the continual efforts of Port Melbourne big man Adrian Bonaddio. The dominance of Bellchambers meant the Borough had to rely on their experienced midfield to drive them from the clearances around the ground. Valenti, Dean Grice and skipper Baird impressed with some fine football.
For the Bendigo Gold, Alwyn Davey, Ricky Dyson and Kyle Reimers were all stand out performers.
Brendan Lee impressed at VFL level, booting two goals and was among Bendigo’s better players. While, forward line players Matthew Little and Cory Dell’Olio booted three goals apiece.
The match was played out with a high intensity in perfect conditions for football. Bendigo squandered opportunities in their forward fifty early on and was made to pay the price – with a three-goal deficit at the first break.
Port Melbourne over used the footy and their return for effort on the scoreboard did not reflect their dominance. Sam Pleming was solid in defense from the outset, driving Port Melbourne into attack by using his football smarts in the backline.
To their credit, the improving Bendigo outfit would not lay down. Their third quarter fight back was led by an on ball brigade including Bellchambers, Davey and youngster Steven Stroobants.
The see-sawing match was well and truly in the balance at three quarter time. New Bendigo Gold coach Hayden Skipworth praised his players running and urged them to back their fitness in. However, as was the case for the majority of the day, and for the previous 23 matches, Port Melbourne was able to find the answers when it counted most.
They had purpose in their delivery, ran hard and defended harder to bring up another victory. The Borough simply made fewer errors, and showed more class than their improving counterparts.
The reigning premiers winning characteristics shone true in the final term. This was acknowledged by Gary Ayres when he praised his team performance saying, “the guys have been able to find a unique trait amongst themselves, and that’s to win. And today you couldn’t have done it any better.”
Ayres knew Port Melbourne wouldn’t have it all their own way against the improving Bendigo Gold.
“I knew it was going to be a hard day, Bendigo were impressive last week against Frankston. They took it right up to us.
“You only have to be in front when the siren blows at the end of the game. That’s what we did again,” said Ayres.
Port Melbourne will now look forward to continuing their unbelievable winning form by getting the best out of their list.
“We have to make sure we isolate each game, because we haven’t got our best personnel available at the minute.
“We have to make sure that our winning puts a lot of heat on the opposition. Because the competition is just so even.”
This week Port Melbourne will play the Box Hill Hawks and Bendigo will travel to Casey Fields to play the Scorpions.
Last Modified on 09/04/2012 16:27