Round 14 had Frankston see its first interstate trip since 2010, some 4382 days in between travelling. Conditions were perfect for football, however the Dolphins could not get their game going against the in-form Southport Sharks who have almost certainly cemented a top four spot.
From the first bounce, the Sharks jumped the Dolphins winning most of the contested ball and dominating the ruck work all around the ground. Brodie McLaughlin hit the ground running, kicking the first goal of the game from around forty-five metres out, a goal which really had the away team up and about. Unfortunately, that was the only real highlight for the first quarter for the Dolphins. Southport 4.2.26 to Frankston 1.2.8 at the end of the first.
The second quarter was quite disappointing, Frankston only managed the three behinds. The Sharks controlled possession throughout, and the Dolphins never really looked in it. Southport’s ruckmen dynamic duo, Fraser Thurlow and Brayden Crossley leading the charge from the Sharks. Southport leading 8.6.54 to Frankston 1.5.11 at the main break.
Bailey Lambert kicked a much need goal with around seven minutes left in the third quarter, however the damage was already done. Southport 12.12.84 beating Frankston 2.9.21 at the last break.
The fourth quarter had Josh Newman and Blake O’Leary kick consolation goals. Newman, returning after four weeks out, kicked from thirty-five meters with a lovely set shot on a reasonably tight angle. Blake O’Leary had Frankston’s highlight of the day, scooping up a ground ball after a boundary throw in and throwing it on his left boot.
Overall, a very disappointing result. Frankston now look towards a season defining clash with the Geelong Cats back on their home deck at Skybus Stadium. The week after the Dolphins head north again to take on the Gold Coast Suns, in Queensland and can hopefully split their win record at 1-1 in the Sunshine State for the year. It is an important 2 weeks for the Dolphins as they look to get their season back on track.
Final Score:
Southport 16.19.115
Frankston 4.11.35
Frankston is currently ranked 16th out of 21 teams in the VFL after seven rounds. The best eight teams at the end of the season will compete in the finals.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS:
- Ryley Stoddart had 30 disposals, 11 marks and three clearances
- Connor Riley had 28 disposals, five tackles, and five clearances.
- Will Fordham had 27 disposals, eight marks and three clearances.
- Kai Owens had seven clearances, four tackles and four hit outs.
- Trent Mynott had six tackles, 12 marks and 128 fantasy points.
GOALS:
- Brodie McLaughlin– 1
- Bailey Lambert– 1
- Josh Newman– 1
- Blake O’Leary– 1
If you did not get a chance to watch on Sunday afternoon, a mini match can be found here.
Round 15 sees the Dolphins host the Geelong Cats at SkyBus Stadium on Saturday the 2nd of July at 7:05PM.
