By Trent Kniese
The VFL is back and running for the 2022 season.
The season opener was contested at SkyBus Stadium versus the Werribee Tigers under lights on a Saturday night, something that has not happened often in Frankston Football Club’s history.
The Dolphins are hoping to capitalise on their eighth-place result in the newly formatted VFL competition in 2021, which was hampered by COVID. Teams from New South Wales and Queensland entered the competition for the 2021 season with all clubs except Aspley remaining in the 2022 competition.
Trent Myott got off to a strong start, accumulating four touches in the first three minutes of the game.
Josh Stern scored the Dolphins’ first goal of the season 14 minutes into the game with a stunning snap on the grandstand side boundary.
Early on, Liam Reidy and Austin Bradtke dominated the ruck, ending with 36 and 31 hit outs, respectively. Taylin Duman also got off to a blazing start, accumulating 10 touches by the end of the first quarter.
At the first break, Frankston led Werribee 1.3.9 to 2.6.18.
The strain was instantly lifted in the second quarter as a fire-up message was delivered at quarter time, with the intensity significantly increased.
Both teams were careless with the ball at times, but the game was physical throughout.
On the siren, Josh Stern kicked his second goal of the night, giving the Dolphins a three-point advantage going into the half.
When it came time to play again, it was all Werribee. The visitors kicked six goals to two in the third quarter, and Frankston couldn’t quite regain their prior momentum.
The Dolphins’ inaccuracy in front of goal cost them, kicking 15 behinds during the game.
While the result was disheartening for Frankston in their first competitive outing, much may be learned from the encounter. With one of the competition’s youngest lists, it may take a number of games to get into the swing of a VFL season.
Josh Stern and Will Walker each had two goals, while Connor Riley made 10 tackles and 17 touches.
Werribee 12.11.83 defeated Frankston 7.15.57.
On Saturday, April 2nd, at 7:05PM, Frankston will host the GWS Giants at SkyBus Stadium. Purchase tickets here.
