ROUND 16 REVIEW
Dandenong 16.5 (101) def Moorabbin 13.15 (93)
The Redlegs have notched up their third win of the season after an exhilarating eight-point victory over the Kangaroos. Moorabbin returned to Greaves Reserve determined to exact revenge after their shock 11-point loss back in Round 9.
But Dandenong were also pumped up for this contest, as both sides traded majors in an even and free flowing start. The Kangas started to gain the ascendancy in the second term but some missed opportunities in front of goal restricted them from taking a larger lead.
The Redlegs struck back after the main break to boot four goals in the quarter as the see-sawing nature of the contest continued. The Roos battled hard to sneak through two vital majors, keeping the margin within seven points at the last change.
The final quarter was an absolute beauty with both sides not giving an inch in a frantic finish. The Roos had the better of the play with more scoring opportunities but once again could not capitalise in front of the goal. Their inefficiency cost them dearly as down the other end the home side slotted four goals from as many chances, enough to see them hold on for an eight-point win.
The win is another step in the right direction for the Redlegs who are building an exciting new era at the club. It will come as no surprise that Jayke Hopkins was dominant once again, kicking four goals to slaughter the Roos.
David Barrie was also influential up front for the home side with a bag of four majors, taking his season tally to 25. Ben Khongbut also continued his good form and with three snags to his name.
It was a case of déjà vu for the Kangaroos, going down in a close contest to the Redlegs away from home. Dylan Bone kicked three goals but his form has tapered off a tad from earlier in the year when he was regularly kicking big bags. Shaun Jackson battled hard all day to be the best player for the visitors.
Lyndhurst 6.5 (41) def by Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.9 (69)
The Lightning’s spotless record on home turf has been ruined after an abysmal first half showing against the Lions. With top spot on the line this was a huge clash for both sides, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the home side’s performance early in the piece.
It was a scrappy start to the game with only one goal scored by either team, both sides looking well below their best. But the second quarter followed a very different script as the Lions slammed through six goals to zip, turning the game on its head.
The home side was stunned and headed into the change rooms with just one point to their name after two quarters of footy. The humiliating term prompted some soul searching and after the break the Lightning came out with some newfound spark.
In a complete reversal of the second term, the Lightning started to control the play and piled on five majors whilst keeping the Lions scoreless for the quarter. The violent shift in momentum now saw the home side only trailing by two kicks at the last huddle.
But Lyndhurst had spent their petrol tickets getting back into the contest as CPL lifted another gear in the last to breakaway once again. The visitors eventually running out comfortable 28-point winners, becoming the first team to conquer the Marriott Waters fortress this season.
The win is a huge result for CPL, who now have a great chance to lock up top spot with two rounds to play. Alex Wilson once again hit the scoreboard with three goals, as did Brenton Rafferty with two. Matthew Ryan had a day out with ball in hand and was also instrumental in the win.
The Lightning will be rueing their poor first half, especially the second quarter which cost them the game. Hamish Browning kicked three on his return to the side and Jason Twite was excellent with two majors along with plenty of possessions.
Cerberus 8.8 (56) def Frankston Dolphins 4.6 (30)
Cerberus simply cannot be stopped at the moment after they brushed aside a plucky Frankston outfit by 26 points at the Navy Base. Seeking their eighth win in a row, the home side started brightly but couldn’t translate their dominance to the scoreboard.
With all the play down in their forward 50, the Dogs wasted several opportunities to kick 2.5 for the term. The Dolphins jolted into life in the second quarter to fight back with three majors to claim a two-point lead at half time.
But the momentum swung once again in the third term, this time the home side making the most of their opportunities in front of goal to kick four goals to zip in the term. Cerberus didn’t give Frankston a sniff from here on and closed out the match with a solid last quarter.
The victory sees the Dogs leapfrog the Dolphins and claim third spot on the ladder. The home side had a diverse spread of goal kickers up forward with Samuel Corcoran the only multiple scorer with two majors. Christopher Kaye was prominent with the footy and also chipped in with a goal.
The Dolphins battled hard all day but just couldn’t find an extra level to match the Dogs in the second half. Josh Kerrigan kicked two goals but it was Luke Ambler who stood out for the visitors once again.
Lyndale V Sandown
Match abandoned.
@LincolnEdmunds
