A Nick Burke goal after the siren has locked in a 26-year first for Frankston, securing a top-four finish for the first time since 1999, as the Dolphins and Lions played out an enthralling contest at Kinetic Stadium on Sunday afternoon, which ended with both sides splitting the four points.
While the home side had technically already secured a fourth-placed finish before Burke’s set shot sailed through, it capped off a ripping game of football between two strong outfits that will no doubt be up there as one of the best of the 2025 VFL season.
Despite Frankston getting out to a game-high 23-point lead early in the third term, Brisbane fought back to level proceedings at the final break, setting up a grandstand finish, but the sides couldn’t be split in the final term, as the final scoreboard read 13.11 (89) to 13.11 (89).
It was an untidy start to the contest for the Dolphins, who struggled to cleanly exit their defensive 50 as the Lions put pressure on early. However, it was George Grey who snapped through the opener to kick Frankston into life.
Harrison Jones steered home a second for Frankston from the set shot, before Brisbane hit back with three in a row to take the lead. A long bomb from Ollie Moran sailed through on the eve of quarter-time to have the scores level at the first break.
The Dolphins got back in front early in the second quarter, as Kobe Askew strolled into an open goal after Noah Gown won a free kick inside 50. Askew doubled his tally moments later, with Corey Ellison and Jones also converting to make it five in a row for Frankston as they opened a healthy buffer.
The Lions were able to get one back before Darby Hipwell split the middle from a tough angle to give the home side a 21-point advantage at the main break.
Brisbane came out firing in the second half, putting through four consecutive majors to level the contest halfway through the third quarter.
Matt Johnson got out the back to put through a steadier as Frankston regained the lead; however, another Lions major made it a tie game once again.
Grey’s second couldn’t have come at a more important stage, making no mistake on the run to put the Dolphins ahead late, before a goal after the three-quarter time siren for Brisbane set up a massive final term with the scores sitting at 10.8 (68) apiece at the final break.
Ellison kicked off the final term by putting through his second to give Frankston the lead early, but another Brisbane major put the visitors in front for the first time since the opening quarter.
Grey converted goal number three to give the Dolphins the lead, before the Lions put through an instant response and added another major to own a one-goal lead late.
With it looking like Brisbane would head back to Queensland with the four points in the bank, an errant kick out of defensive 50 by the Lions landed in the lap of Nick Burke.
Just as Blake O’Leary had done earlier in the season, Burke went back with ice in his veins as the siren sounded to put through a massive goal, as the home crowd erupted, celebrating the confirmation of a top-four finish and a double chance heading into finals.
Darby Hipwell was immense in the midfield throughout the contest, finishing with one goal, 28 disposals (16 contested), 10 tackles and seven clearances in a massive performance.
Will Hamill was equally important for Frankston coming out of defence, continuing to step up in the absence of Jackson Voss, as he tallied 30 disposals (80% efficiency), five marks, seven intercept possessions and eight rebound 50s. The former Adelaide Crow regularly drove forward by foot as he played a strong hand in orchestrating many of the Dolphins’ attacks.
Coming up against AFL-listed ruckman Oscar McInerney, Harrison Coe stood tall in the ruck, as he continues to impress in the number one ruck role, recording 18 disposals (16 contested) at 89% efficiency, 38 hit outs and a game-high 10 clearances.
Returning to the side after being out through injury, Tom Murphy came back with aplomb, finishing with 18 disposals, nine tackles and seven inside 50s. Tom Blamires (19 disposals, eight tackles, three clearances, eight inside 50s) and Georgey Grey (three goals, 19 disposals) were also amongst the side’s best.
Ollie Moran (one goal, 16 disposals, five marks, seven intercepts) put in a great showing, as did Tyson Milne (22 disposals, seven marks, eight intercepts, eight rebound 50s). While key defensive pillars, Josh Smith (14 disposals, eight marks, 11 intercept possessions)and Taine Barlow (14 disposals, six marks, six intercepts), stood tall down back.
After securing fourth position on the ladder, Jackson Kornberg’s side will enjoy a well-earned break before heading into week one of the finals, where they will take on top-of-the-ladder Footscray.
FRANKSTON 3.3 8.4 10.8 13.11 (89)
BRISBANE 3.3 4.7 10.8 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Grey 3, Jones 2, Ellison 2, Askew 2, Moran, Johnson, Hipwell, Burke
BEST
Hipwell, Hamill, Coe, Murphy, Grey, Blamires, Smith
