By Will Jeffares
Frankston has recorded its first win of 2024 with a promising 41-point victory over Port Melbourne in their first practice match at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite both sides missing several key players and having players on time restrictions, the Dolphins proved too strong for the Borough in what were great conditions for football, the final score read a 10.5 (65) to 3.6 (24) victory to Frankston.
With the match played over four 20-minute timed quarters, Jackson Kornberg’s side displayed their relentless pressure around the ball, particularly in the opening three quarters, limiting Port Melbourne’s ball use and restricting the visitors to just three majors for the match.
Frankston’s ball movement also caught the eye throughout the contest, with the Dolphins showcasing a slick and fast brand of football, turning defence into attack as quickly as possible.
The Dolphins opened the scoring four early majors in the first quarter, with the side extending their lead at every interval.
The matchup allowed several Dolphins players to get their first taste of football for 2024, with the side resting pulling the pin on a group of players at the main break, which granted others to get a run out in the second half.
New arrival George Grey, who sat out the second half of the match-up, was particularly impressive off half-back. The newly appointed vice-captain showed his dash and penetration out of defence, even bobbing up to kick a major of his own in the second term.
Lachie Riley and Lochie Reidy were both classy on the day, with the latter hitting the scoreboard with a crafty snap in the first term after evading a Port Melbourne defender.
Ruckman Angus Grant put in a strong performance in the ruck for the Dolphins, snagging two goals in the second half. Grant competed exceptionally well both aerially and at ground level, with his follow-up work out of the ruck extremely impressive.
Frankston will hope to follow up on the result next weekend, with the side to take on the Northern Bullants as part of next weekend’s VFL Standalone Practice Match Carnival at Kinetic Stadium, with the first bounce scheduled at 1:15 pm (AEDT).
FRANKSTON 4.0 6.1 9.3 10.5 (65)
PORT MELBOURNE 1.1 2.2 3.2 3.6 (24)
