Round 7 Match Report
Frankston Dolphins vs Carlton Blues at SkyBus Stadium
By Trent Kniese
This game will no doubt go down in history. The Dolphins came from 48 points down at three-quarter time to beat Carlton by seven points in the fourth quarter on Saturday night, kicking 10 goals to one.
The stage set was massive, and two debutants, Bayleigh Welsh and Khyal Jacobson were announced earlier this week.
The Dolphins struggled throughout the opening quarter. Will Arthurson scored the only goal for the home team with a set shot from the top of the goal square about 24 minutes into the game. Carlton looked dominant in the first quarter, scoring five goals. Carlton’s roster included several AFL-listed/experienced players. Frankston was 1.3.9 to Carlton 5.3.33 at the end of the first.
The second quarter was much the same for Frankston, only managing the one goal. Will Fordham carried the Dolphins all night long, ending with 27 touches. His goal was well-executed, with the ball scooped up off the ground and finished around his body finishing with the left boot. The Dolphins’ defense held up brilliantly, with Carlton scoring only one goal of their own. Frankston was down to Carlton 2.7.19 to 6.4.40 at the half.
Frankston appeared to be finished when play resumed from the break. Again, Fordham scored the only goal of the quarter for the Dolphins. Carlton scored five goals in the third, leaving the score at Frankston 3.7.25 to Carlton 11.7.73.
Then came the chaos with the sixth-largest comeback in VFL history. Frankston’s coaching staff needed to come up with something significant after falling behind by 48 points, and that, they did. Frankston’s ten unanswered goals set up an extraordinary exhibition of tenacity and determination. Burton, Small, Fordham, Owens, Begley, Riley, Reidy, and Duman all scored in the final quarter.
The Frankston faithful will remember this game for the rest of their lives. Going into the third quarter, SkyBus Stadium was almost a graveyard. The scenes and absolute roar from the stadium, social rooms, and on the hill after the comeback, were once in a lifetime. The volume, exhilaration, and atmosphere were unparalleled.
Truly a night for Frankston, and for all football fans around the country.
F
inal Score:
Frankston 13.8.86 defeated Carlton 12.7.79
Frankston is currently ranked 13th 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 STATISTICS:
- Will Fordham had 27 disposals, three goals, and 11 tackles.
- Josh Newman had 25 disposals, eight marks and two clearances.
- Connor Riley had 25 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances.
- Trent Mynott had 21 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances.
- Liam Reidy had 13 hit outs and 15 disposals.
GOALS:
- Will Fordham– 3
- Josh Begley– 2
- Connor Riley– 2
- Will Arthurson– 1
- Jeremy Burton– 1
- Taylin Duman– 1
- Kai Owens– 1
- Liam Reidy– 1
- Tom Small– 1
Those that were unable to attend the game on Saturday can watch a comprehensive replay of the game online here.
Frankston travels to Williamstown for Round 8 action on Saturday, May 14th at 7.35pm at Williamstown Oval.
