The Dandenong Southern Stingrays round three game was played at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigeburn which was part of a TAC Cup triple header. It turned into a nightmare event when the charged up and physically tougher Geelong Falcons led at every change to hand the Stingrays a very disappointing 1 point defeat.
The Stingrays were without Matthew Buntine, Todd Elton, Jason Pongracic and Lachie Whitfield who were on AIS AFL academy duty, but the four inclusions were expected to match the efforts of the missing players. The game was horrible from the start for the Stingrays with the Falcons in front at stoppages, in front in the backline and in front when the ball went forward and as a result the Stingrays were chasing in the first. Some good plays from the midfield saw the ball penetrate Inside 50 numerous times for a miserable 2 points, but the Stingrays were kicking against a 5 goal breeze. The break saw the Falcons lead by 27 points.
The second term was better for the Stingrays as they got on top of the Falcons in the mid field and had five more inside 50’s in the first half but the defensive efforts when the ball hit the deck allowed the Falcons to score three majors against the breeze. The Stingrays kicked 5 goals through Brett O’Hanlon (2), Nick Haynes, Jarryd Capiron and Adam Giobbi but a few costly errors and undisciplined 50’s cost the Stingrays dearly on the day. The half time margin of 9 points had the Stingrays in the game on the scoreboard but they had many players well below the standard set last week and lacking spark and leadership.
The third term was a better quarter for the Stingrays as defensively they were able to control Geelong for most of the quarter allowing them only to score 1 goal 3 points. Strong work across the half back line by Robert Hill, Corey Buchan and Nathan Wright set up numerous counter attack scoring options for the Stingrays against the strong breeze, but conversion was again and issue with a return of 3 points for the quarter. The intensity had lifted and the Stingrays seemed to except the challenge and fitness seemed to be leaning towards the Stingrays as the quarter ended with the margin at 17 points in favour of the falcons.
The final term was a chance for the Stingrays to finish off their hard work, but as what happened in the three past quarters Geelong Falcons scored the first major. Hard running and good inside work from the entire midfield group saw three goals in 3 minutes for the Stingrays through O’Hanlon, Giobbi and Capiron looked like the Stingrays might run away with it. The Falcons were able to steady with another major but a quick reply after a magnificent pack mark by Nick Haynes saw the margin within 1 straight kick. Three opportunities presented themselves to the Stingrays to close out the game but tight defensive work by the Falcons and pitiable delivery into the forward line and undisciplined play allowed the Falcons to take the game by 1 point. Coach Graeme Yeats was disappointed that they were unable to score against the breeze but allow Flacons to score 5 goals against it. Yeats said, “We once again had more of the ball, probably more inside 50’s and scoring shots but fell short again. It is a mindset, I am unsure if we were fully prepared for today’s game against a team who we all knew would come out hard and physical after last week.”
Next weekend is a week off for the TAC Cup with the Under 18 Nationals trials being held at Visy Park on Wednesday and Thursday. The Stingrays are well represented with 10 players to suit up for Vic Country in the trial matches. AIS players Elton, Buntine and Whitfield are joined by Alec Benbow, Jason Pongracic, Jordan Kelly, Piva Wright, Corey Buchan, Brett O'Hanlon and Nick Haynes are all vying for spots in the five game series over the next 7 weeks. Vic Country plays Vic Metro, NSW/ACT, WA, Qld and SA in the carnival.
Last Modified on 18/04/2011 10:55