By Jack Heverin
Frankston will need to go back to the drawing board after a disappointing 39-point loss to Casey Scorpions in horrendous conditions at Frankston Park.
The Dolphins were second to the ball and were simply outplayed by their more determined opposition in the 14.12. (96) to 8.9 (57) loss.
In conditions unlikely to be seen again, Frankston Park was overcome by gale force winds, making possession football extremely difficult. The winds were so influential on the match that only two goals were scored at the beach end of the ground for the entire game.
Casey kicked with the wind first and looked efficient when going forward, while Frankston went scoreless for the term.
It was the Dolphins turn to attack in the second quarter and they took full advantage to go into half time with a three point lead, thanks to two goals from forward Michael Lourey.
The Scorpions quickly turned the lead around through the agency of Austin Wonaeamirri. The small forward looked lively in front of goal after returning from injury.
Casey coach Peter German moved defender Alex Silvagni into the ruck during the third term and it immediately paid dividends. Silvagni kicked two goals for the term and won plenty of the football around the ground.
A late goal from Russell Robertson gave the Scorpions a 33-point lead going into the final term.
In his three quarter time address, Dolphins coach Shannon Grant emphasised to his men how important it was that they look for targets inside 50 and not just bomb away.
This did not prove to be an issue for the Dolphins though, as the Scorpions controlled the final term, not allowing Frankston the ball supply to enter its forward line.
Robertson was again in the thick of things, his goal against the wind to start the last quarter giving the Scorpions valuable momentum, as they closed out the contest in impressive fashion.
For the victors, skipper Kyle Matthews was at his inspirational best, putting his body on the line at every contest. His emphasis on doing the one-percenters would have pleased German.
Livewire Russell Robertson put his hand up for AFL selection with a terrific five-goal display, kicking goals from all angles of the ground.
James Wall, Peter Faulks and Silvagni controlled the Scorpions backline, providing plenty of drive from the back half, while small defender Michael Stockdale played his best game for the Scorpions from a back pocket.
In defeat, Michael Ablett tried very hard across half back, and up until half time was clearly the most effective player on the ground. His foot skills and composure under pressure showed he is back to his best.
Youngster Levi Casboult tried hard in the ruck, while Tory Dickson was good with two majors from half forward. Christian Ongarello tried hard deep in defence, as did Matthew Burns.
Next week the Dolphins take on the Northern Bullants at Visy Park, while the Scorpions play Coburg at ABD Group stadium.
Frankston 0.0 5.6 6.6 8.9 (57)
| Casey Scorpions 5.3 5.3 11.9 14.12 (96)
GOALS:Frankston: Lourey 2 Dickson 2 Berry 2 Magner Pollard
Casey Scorpions: Robertson 5 Silvagni 3 Hughes 2 McNamara Wall WONAEAMIRRI Vernon
BEST:Frankston: Ablett Casboult Baguley Lombardozzi Dickson Ongarello
Casey Scorpions: Matthews Wall Robertson Valenti Silvagni Stockdale
REPORTED PLAYERS:Frankston: Nil
Casey Scorpions: Nil
Last Modified on 27/04/2009 10:33