By Lincoln Edmunds
@LincolnEdmunds
ROUND 3 REVIEW
Cerberus 8.9 (57) def by Moorabbin Kangaroos 10.11 (71)
This game shaped as a tight tussle on paper and the contest on the weekend certainly didn’t disappoint. The Dogs have endured a tough fixture to start the season, falling short to two of the more impressive teams in the competition thus far. However they went into this home clash against the Kangaroos with renewed vigour and hope.
The teams were evenly matched for the majority of the day with only one point separating the sides at the half time break. It was scrappy and low scoring footy, with both sides locked in an arm wrestle. After a horror second half last week, the Roos would have been extremely wary of dropping off in intensity again.
But there would be no repeat of last week, as Moorabbin took control of the game in the third quarter slotting four goals to one, taking some valuable breathing space with them into the last change. Chasing tail in the last quarter was always going to be an uphill battle for Cerberus, but to their credit the Dogs rallied one final time and ended up winning the quarter. Ultimately the Kangaroos third quarter proved the difference in the result as they continued their unbeaten start to the year.
The pattern follows a familiar tale for the Dogs, who have been in most games but continue to drop off in patches. However one pleasing aspect for Cerberus will be the fact they were able to find a better spread of goal kickers this weekend, with eight players hitting the scoreboard.
For the Kangaroos, a 3-0 start to the season will certainly be pleasing for the coaches and playing group, however they will be fully aware that there is still plenty of improvement left in this side. Dylan Bone was outstanding up forward once again with six majors, solidifying his grip as the leading goal kicker in the competition.
Carrum Patterson Lakes 17.14 (116) def Sandown 9.5 (59)
Carrum Patterson Lakes have made sure their undefeated start to the season has continued, taking care of Sandown by a comfortable 57 points at Roy Dore Reserve. The Lions started the game well, taking a 32 point lead at the first break and looked set to punish the Cobras. However Sandown were never going to roll over without biting back and responded in the second term to cut the margin to 23 points at the main break.
Unfortunately for the Cobras that’s where the goals stopped, as a fired up CPL piled on six of their own to put the result beyond doubt at the final change. Once again Sandown showed plenty of fight in the last term as both sides traded goals until the final siren.
The Lions did what they had to do and flexed their muscles when they were challenged. Brenton Rafferty had a day out for the home side, booting seven majors to be one of the best players on the ground.
Whilst the result did not go their way, there were still some positives for Sandown. Winning two quarters of footy against a top side on their home deck is certainly something to build on for Coach Ange Sammartino. If the Cobras can reduce the gap between their best and their worst, expect to see them on the winners list soon.
Lyndhurst 11.4 (70) def Frankston Dolphins 9.7 (61)
Lyndhurst has rebounded back onto the winners list in sensational fashion, edging out Frankston in a thriller under lights at Marriott Waters Reserve. After a disappointing result last week, the Lighting came out pumped up and played with good intensity. The result was a solid first half where they were able to open up a 16 point lead to keep Frankston at arm’s length. The third quarter followed a similar theme as both sides kicked three goals apiece to ensure that this one would go right down to the wire.
Up until this point, the Lightning had been excellent all night and always seemed to have the answers whenever the Dolphins came charging. Frankston however were still very much in the contest and had been running out games extremely well. The Dolphins came at them one last time but the Lightning would not be denied and ensured that they took the valuable four premiership points with them.
The Lightning were far more potent in attack this week, with Hamish Browning, Charlie Gardiner and Ben Hiam all registering multiple majors. Jarryd McGrath was also influential with two goals in a best afield performance.
Luke Kirkland continued his strong form booting four majors for the Dolphins, whilst Andrew Lee once again found plenty of the footy to be amongst the best for the visitors.
Dandenong 10.4 (64) def by Lyndale 22.14 (146)
Lyndale have flexed their muscles against Dandenong, crushing the Redlegs by 82 points in their standalone Sunday clash at Greaves Reserve. Dandenong started the game in strong fashion, slotting five first quarter majors to take a 16 point advantage at the opening change. Unfortunately for the Redlegs, that was where the scoring stopped as the Pumas blitzed them in the second quarter stacking on ten majors to one in a brutal quarter of football.
The Pumas continued on in the second half, notching up another ten goals to ensure they walked away with a big win. Lyndale’s forward line found plenty of supply, with Shane Thomas and Trevor Kumetaitis feasting on the Redlegs backline to combine for 13 goals between them. Brenton Miles put in a good display while Jayden Denmead and Josh Kyle continued their strong form. The result gives the Pumas back to back wins and will provide the playing group with plenty of confidence.
For the Redlegs, they will be bitterly disappointed with the middle quarters of the game where they were completely outplayed and powerless to stop the rot. They have shown in patches they are capable of playing good football but just need to find more consistency and minimise the damage inflicted when the opposition gets on top.
