By Will Jeffares
Despite a positive opening period from the Dolphins, Williamstown proved too strong for the home side, running out 38-point victors on Friday night in the final practice match before the commencement of the 2024 VFL Season.
Played under the lights of Kinetic Stadium in perfect conditions, the match-up proved to be a fiery one with both sides to meet again in two weeks for Round One, with the match-up to again be played in Frankston.
The home side held a three-point lead at quarter time after a bright start in front of a lively home crowd before the Seagulls kicked 11 goals to four in the final three terms to claim the 7.6 (48) to 13.8 (86) result.
The Dolphins showed plenty of positive signs, especially early, with great pressure around the ball and a desire to slice through the Williamstown midfield with Jack Newnes, Trent Marotta and Noah Gown all kicking majors in the first quarter.
Marotta’s performance was a highlight for Frankston, with the big man finishing with three goals, while key defender Josh Smith was impressive down back taking several important intercept marks early in the contest.
Seb Quirk was lively in the midfield, winning a number of clearances out of the middle and providing plenty of spark for the Dolphins. Meanwhile, Tom Murphy and Blake O’Leary were two fellow performers on the night that caught the eye, with the former also slotting a major of his own in the third term.
In what was a great sign for Frankston supporters, Trent Mynott played out the second half, with the skipper showing several glimpses in the middle in his first taste of pre-season football for the Dolphins ahead of the new season.
The two sides will meet again on Friday, March 22nd at Kinetic Stadium to kick off their 2024 campaigns, with the first bounce scheduled for 7:35 pm (AEDT).
FRANKSTON 3.0 4.1 6.2 7.6 (48)
WILLIAMSTOWN 2.3 6.4 10.5 13.8 (86)
