Wins have not come in plentiful amounts to Frankston over recent years. In fact since the start of the 2010 season, the Dolphins have only sung their song on five occasions. Amazingly each of those five victories have been against the Coburg Tigers.
The Frankston theme song is one that would be ringing in the ears of Coburg players, with the Tigers having heard the song sung on five of their last six encounters with the Dolphins. The Tigers only victory against the Dolphins was in round 15, 2010 when Coburg were victorious by 16 points.
Frankston coach Simon Goosey said last weekend’s win was just reward for his players after coming so close on many occasions during the season.
“It was good reward for the players who have put in enormous amount work, it was great to see the joy on their faces because we've been competing against the best and just falling short
Despite the good recent record against Coburg, it was not something that Goosey mentioned to his players in the lead up to the game.
“It’s not something that we talk about we try and approach each week the same.
“Having won against them before, it gives our young group a bit more belief.”
The extraordinary recent record that Frankston holds over Coburg is not something that is seen regularly. Yes, clubs do play better against certain opposition and get on winning streaks, but for a side to only have one club they have been able to beat in a three year period is unheard of.
“I’d enjoy it more if there were a couple of extra teams on that list,” Goosey said when asked about the unusual trend of Frankston wins over Coburg.
With two rounds left in the season, and only one game remaining for the Dolphins, they will hold the unwanted title of wooden spooners for the third year running. Despite having only won two games, Goosey is pleased with the improvement he has seen in his side and highlights how the lack of experienced players has cost his team in 2012.
“The improvement without getting the wins has been pleasing we're defiantly seeing light and the end of the tunnel.
“We have got some great young talent all that we lack is experience, but we defiantly laid some really strong foundations to help us go forward.”
Results over recent years have not stopped AFL recruiters from looking at the Dolphins young playing stocks. Frankston have had one player a year recruited from their side over the last three years, with Essendon liking players from the peninsula with Marcus Marigliani, Michael Hibberd and Mark Baguley all recruited by the Bombers.
Frankston could once again bid farewell to one or more players at the end of this year, with two players so far invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October (see page 16 of today’s Record).
“ It's great and it just shows the young talent we have on our list and hopefully it shows other young players out there the opportunities you get at a standalone club,” Goosey said.
Frankston complete their 2012 season against the Northern Blues in round 22 at home.
Frankston 7.5.47 d Coburg Tigers 3.11.29
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 15/08/2012 12:13