The Peter Jackson VFL has developed into a very even playing field this year, so it is no surprise that a bottom of the ladder clash will create quite a spectacle.
The Frankston Dolphins face the Northern Blues on Sunday with both teams attempting to secure their second win for the season.
The Dolphins enter Round 15 following a 22 point loss to Collingwood at Victoria Park. Frankston has developed quite a reputation of coming out of the blocks strongly this season. However, this was not the case on Sunday and Coach Simon Goosey felt it could have put them on the back foot.
“We did start slow which we have done the last two weeks; both times they've had the scoring end with us kicking against the wind. To date we've prided ourselves on getting a good start so this weekend will be no different.”
Frankston had entered Sunday’s contest with many people pre-empting that this highly competitive side would finally transfer from being a team that pushes every opposition to their limit, to instead enter the winners circle once again.
“I think we thought the same and forgot what made us a competitive outfit, so we've got to get back to what we pride ourselves on and our beliefs. We as a side can't drop off five to ten percent because we then pay the price for that and we get performances like we have the last two weeks.”
Although this game will present a bottom two contest, each side has proved their potential against some very talented opposition. Therefore, Simon Goosey will be treating this game with the acknowledgement it deserves.
“I'd like to think we'll match up well against the Blues as I do with most sides and we'll put as much home work into them as we do others and then hopefully execute correctly on the day. It should be a great game, where two sides will be desperate to win,” Goosey said.
Their opposition, the Northern Blues, have experienced an unnerving period in recent weeks due to the resignation of Coach Robert Hyde. 2011 Senior Coach and Carlton Development & Academy Manager, Darren Harris has now regained control of the reins.
Harris believes that he should step back into Northern’s top job without much difficulty due to his ongoing role at Carlton Football Club.
“My focus this year has been on Carlton development players. I have been at all games though and built some good relationships with the players that were there last year. I trust the current coaches to select the most inform and deserving players in the short term.”
Due to the successful alignment between the two Clubs, Harris does not foresee that this change will impact the team or their performance.
“Hydey (Robert Hyde) did a very good job of messaging the CFC style of play. He was limited with player availability due to injury and recruiting. The Carlton players spend all their time during the week with Carlton Development Staff so hopefully our relationships with them will help to get the best out of them and the team.”
The Northern Blues come off a 57 point loss to the Box Hill Hawks. However, the game demonstrated many positive signs for the future with Northern kicking six goals in the first term to take a 15 point lead into the quarter time break.
“We were really happy with the intensity until 10 minutes into the second quarter. Then we dropped away defensively and lacked some discipline with some soft free kicks. We won stoppages by more than 20 and inside 50s so just need to clean up our ball use and defensive transition.”
The Northern Blues are not taking this weekend’s contest lightly, as they are aware of Frankston’s strong desire to get a win under their belt.
“They were good against Collingwood and like us have been competitive in most games this year. We need to be aware of their height forward and pressure. It should be a really good contest. We will have to be at our best to win,” Harris said.
Frankston Dolphins vs Northern Blues
2pm Sunday July 8
Frankston Oval
Last Modified on 06/07/2012 17:00