By Will Jeffares
A classy Geelong side has proven too strong for Frankston, running out 64-point victors at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Cats kicked the first six goals of the match to open up a healthy buffer in the first term, and while the Dolphins battled hard throughout the matchup, the home side was able to control the contest on their way to the 18.5 (113) to 6.13 (49) result.
Despite only losing the inside 50 count 40 to 50, the Dolphins were unable to make the most of their offensive moves, especially in the first term, with Geelong’s spread from the contest and efficiency going forward proving too much for the visitors.
While it was not the result Frankston wanted, Jackson Kornberg will be able to take a few positives from his side’s performance, including a stellar debut from Lachie Sharp after the forward was brought into the side as a late change.
With Noah Gown and Harrison Coe out of the contest, Sharp was called up into the forward line and took his chance with both hands kicking four goals, including Frankston’s first three of the match.
Sharp showed his aerial threat up forward, holding on to several strong marks inside 50 while also applying plenty of pressure on the Cats’ defence.
After getting on the end of a high ball inside 50, Sharp slotted his first from the resulting set shot early in the second term before adding two more majors to his tally in the third quarter.
George Grey went forward and took a courageous sliding mark before cleverly playing on to slam home a great finish just before the three-quarter time siren.
Jack Newnes kicked truly from his set shot in the fourth quarter, while Sharp proved to be a sharpshooter, winning a holding the ball free and slotting home a superb set shot from a tight angle.
Ruckman Angus Grant was among Frankston’s best on the day, battling strongly against the Cats’ ruck set-up of Ajang Kuol mun and Shannon Neale to finish with 16 disposals, 31 hit-outs and seven clearances while also applying six tackles in a great all-round performance from the big man.
To go along with his four goals, Sharp also collected 16 disposals and seven marks in his lively debut, while Grey finished with 20 disposals and seven marks to go along with his major. Fellow Frankston debutant, Matt Nelson, finished with nine disposals.
Seb Quirk (17 disposals) collected a game-high nine clearances in a tough day for the Frankston midfield unit as Taj Campbell-Farrell followed up on his debut last week with another solid performance, tallying 15 disposals, six tackles and four clearances.
Frankston will face another tough challenge against AFL-affiliate opposition next week when they take on GWS at the Blacktown International Sportspark (ISP) on Saturday at 11:05 am (AEST).
GEELONG 6.1 9.4 15.4 18.5 (113)
FRANKSTON 0.4 1.6 4.8 6.13 (49)
GOALS
Sharp 4, Grey, Newnes
BEST
Sharp, Grant, Grey, Quirk
