Frankston put forward their most clinical performance of the year to emerge 96 point victors under the Friday night lights at SkyBus Stadium.
Frankston played like they had a point to prove, in the 18.14 122 to 4.3 27 win, looking hungrier with 46 more disposals and 18 more tackles over a vastly more experienced Borough outfit to put an exclamation mark on their terrific start to the season.
Mitch Cox added to a stellar year of highlights with an eye-catching 30 touches and four goals.
Lloyd played arguably his best match for Frankston, with his ball use notably composed.
Port Melbourne threatened to trim the final margin, kicking the first goal of the third quarter.
But it was Frankston’s night and they smelled blood.
They were so efficient going inside 50 to ensure the scoreboard reflected their demolition job, with seven third-quarter goals.
Whether from the set shot or quick entries inside 50 Frankston capitalised.
In particular, Jack Mentha (two goals) was dangerously agile when the ball hit the ground inside 50.
Cox was another that backed himself to break tackles and dispose efficiently wherever he popped up.
He continued to put his head over the ball, kicking two final quarter goals.
A Bailey Lambert snap and goal late in the last quarter in his first match for three weeks capped off a dominant showing for the home side.
Ruckman Jack Berry capitalised on his superior experience to the young Port Melbourne rucks, with 33 hit-outs to supply his midfielders.
Ball magnet Nathan Freeman was another solid performer with a “lazy” 29 possessions, while Jackson Voss (21 possessions) showed his continual improvement, especially in the first half, mixing territory-first kicks with handballs to players in space.
From the varied Josh Begley celebrations to the Mitch Cox salute and a wander to the hill post-game, the players showed their appreciation for the support in near-freezing temperatures, in the first match in front of fans at SkyBus Stadium since round six.
The victory was a percentage booster for the Dolphins, lifting it to 106.4% and their win-loss improves to 6-4.
Best: Styles, Newman, Berry, Cox, Brolic, Begley
Goals: Cox 4, Begley 3, McLaughlin 2, Mentha 2, Newman 2, Brolic, Lambert, Rendell, Riley, Stern.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
