Gippsland Power Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power claimed the 2005 TAC Cup minor premiership with a narrow and hard-fought win over the second-placed Dandenong Stingrays and, in doing so, gained a vital psychological edge over the Stingrays with the September action looming. It really was the "clash of the Titans" with the Stingrays having won the first clash at Morwell and the Power on the rebound after a disappointing loss to the Knights the week before. The scene was set for a tough encounter with so much at stake and the big crowd was treated to a crackerjack game.
The Power had the early advantage as a result of some hard work by Jeff Ryan and they looked likely to burst clear of the Stingers. Dandenong rallied and had a reply after 10 minutes and it was game on. This inspired the Power to run the ball with purpose and precision and Dale Thomas was at his magical best with two goals. They then squandered further opportunities to extend the margin and were "punished" by the Stingrays near the siren with a costly rebound goal. The margin was 9 points and Dandenong had the advantage of the breeze in the second term.
This problem was amplified at the start of the term with a goal to Dandenong and the pressure was on. Once again the Power work rate went up a couple of cogs and they began to craft stunning goals as a result of slick ball movement and mid-field run. The defence was outstanding and the on-ballers were applying relentless pressure to create opportunities to set up the running play. By the long break the lead was 18 points to the Power but it should have been larger with some more accurate conversion.
At the start of the third term the Power seized the initiative as the result of clever play by Ben Ross. Dandenong kept hitting back and the served
notice that they weren't going to go down without a fight. Once again relatively "gettable" majors were missed by the Power and it took some excellent pressure by Jeff Ryan to set Ben Ross up again to extend the Power lead. Predictably the Stingrays hit back hard late in the term to reduce the margin to 23 points and, importantly get themselves within reach with a term to go.
In the opening minutes the Power had an ominous sense of "deja-vu" as the Stingrays upped the ante and began to capitalize on some indecisive and often senseless defence by the Power. It was eerily familiar to the scenario of the early clash when the Power dominated the game early only to see the Stingrays regain the momentum and record an outstanding win.
Just when it appeared as if the Power were on their knees Chris Dunne capitalised on some forward pressure and it appeared as if the game was safe for the Power. Dandenong had more to give and suddenly the margin was 5 points and the momentum again swung their way. The Power steadied and began to regain control of the game. Some brilliance by Brett Dore set up "Daisy Thomas" for the sealer and the Power recorded a well-deserved 11-point win.
Final scores Gippsland Power 11 goals 16 behinds 82 points defeated Dandenong Stingrays 10 goals 11 behinds 71 points. Goal kickers Dale Thomas 3, Ben Ross, Ben Fraser and Chris Dunne 2, Jeff Ryan and Beau Vernon 1.
With so much at stake it was pleasing for the Power to have so many boys making a significant contribution to what was an outstanding team effort. Leading the way again was dynamic on-baller Ricky Delphine whose 42 hard-won possessions were pivotal in the teams' engine room. Jeff Ryan was given a crucial "run-with" role and did it brilliantly as well as being a damaging player himself. They were give great support by Beau Vernon, Steven O'Bryan, Scott Pendlebury, Lachlan Hansen, Jaymie Youle, Dale Thomas, Ben Ross and Brett Dore.
Paul Hudson and his match committee had lots to be pleased about with the way that the boys bounced back from a bad defeat the week before and then withstood the best that the Stingrays could throw at them. They showed that they have what it takes to be successful in finals-type football and will go into the September action mentally and physically ready for the ultimate challenge.
What was particularly pleasing for the club is the fact that, of the ten players named in the best, seven are "bottom-age" and this augurs well for the immediate and long-term future of the club. Regional manager Peter Francis has put a lot of work into the clubs development programs and there is now a steady stream of quality youngsters coming into the club from across the region.
Round 18 of the TAC Cup sees the Power playing host to the Western Jets. The Jets have not had a good season and would love to claim a big "scalp" at the end of the year. The Power will need to be on their game and taking nothing for granted if they are to give themselves the best possible lead into the 2005 finals series. Paul will ensure that they are not complacent and will be keen to build on the many positives that were so evident against the Stingrays.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 11:56