By Jack Heverin
An inspired final quarter performance has helped Frankston to their second victory of the season after defeating Werribee by 23 points at Frankston Park.
At various stages of the game you could be forgiven for wondering how the Dolphins remained in the contest after countless skill errors, however their hunger for victory got them over the line in the 14.7 (91) to 10.8 (68) victory.
It was the Tigers that shot out of the blocks first, kicking six goals to one in the opening term. They did all the running and did not allow Frankston to get their hands on the ball for any meaningful amount of time.
By half time the Dolphins has pegged the margin back to 18 points, though their skills, particularly when entering their forward 50, let them down in a major way.
The overall standard of the game improved in the second half, as did Frankston’s use of the ball after they received a stinging spray from Coach Shannon Grant at the break.
Werribee took a 14 point buffer into three quarter time, though it was three crucial goals against the breeze that kept the Dolphins in the match.
After a rousing speech at the final change from Grant, Frankston were sparked by livewire Justin Berry, who kicked the opening two goals of the term. Both were followed by fist pumping in the direction of the Frankston supporters.
Another four more goals were kicked to put the icing on the cake for the Dolphins, while Werribee were visibly disappointed with their final quarter fadeout.
Searching for another win, Grant made a couple of positional changes that certainly put Frankston in a winning position. After some experimenting, skipper Shaun Pollard was moved back to the last line of defence and did a magnificent job on Marty Pask, while Trent Shinners spent most of the afternoon in the ruck and gave his side a mobile option to kick to around the ground. Both were among the Dolphins better performers.
Tory Dickson’s golden season continued after slotting five majors in a terrific display. Dickson is undoubtedly one of the most improved players in the VFL, and is now a vital member of the Dolphins forward setup.
Justin Berry was up and about with three goals, while Marcus Marigliani worked hard all afternoon and was rewarded with two majors.
For the Tigers, Rob Castello looked dangerous for his three goals, while Ben Ross kicked two.
Michael Rockerfeller enjoyed the open spaces of Frankston Park, while Alan Obst played a vital role for the Tigers, playing both forward and back.
Frankston 1.2 5.4 8.4 14.7 (91)
| Werribee Tigers 6.2 8.4 10.6 10.8 (68)
GOALS:Frankston: Dickson 5 Berry 3 Marigliani 2 Lourey Murray Crowe Whelan
Werribee Tigers: Castello 3 Ross 2 Sharp Harris Martiniello Pask Speight
BEST:Frankston: Shinners Dickson Magner Berry Marigliani Winterton
Werribee Tigers: Gleeson Castello Rockefeller Sharp Magnabosco Obst
Last Modified on 20/07/2009 12:41