By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – ROUND 1
How about that for a statement?
Officer emerged as the round’s biggest winner, absolutely dismantling the struggling Doveton to the tune of 92 points at home on Saturday, in a mighty statement of the Kangaroos’ intentions for 2018.
Adding to that, the Kangaroos had a whopping 41 shots, a far cry from 2017 where they averaged just less than 73 points a match.
And as for the Doves, Daniel Charles’ men are under serious pressure after slipping to 0-2 with an average losing margin of 87 points, conceding 156 and 154 points in their first two matches.
In fact, the Doves actually settled quicker than the home side, with an incredible long range goal from Alex Mastromanno giving the visitors the opening goal and some needed momentum.
With Russ Gabriel in control around the stoppages, Jake Dermott slotted a set shot for another Dove major.
But it was a brilliant piece of bravery that got the Kangaroos going, right on quarter time as Charles’ side threatened to open up the game.
A stellar contested mark at the 29th minute mark from Matthew Clarke (six goals) was duly put through, pegging the margin back to six points at quarter time.
From there, it was an utter rout, and one that is sure to draw the attention of opposition clubs.
Kicking just six more goals for the entire contest, Doug Koop’s men clicked into gear, taking control of the midfield and using the ball cleanly going inside 50, racing out to a match winning lead of 35 points, with Clarke and champion Kangaroo Ben Tivendale (four goals) dismantling a leaky defence.
It showed a toughness that has been lacking, and an ability to generate enough attacking opportunities to kick a winning score, and one that looks sustainable with an agile forward line.
Not content with just the stock standard win, Koop’s chargers completely dominated, running in waves, feeding an attacking side with silver service to kick a further 14.8 to 5.5 in the second half.
Adding to the headaches caused by dominant pair Clarke and Tivendale, Jake Ingaliso, Michael Thompson and recruit Jayce Valentine combining for nine goals between them.
The margin threatened to blow out well beyond 100 at one stage, before some late goals to the Doves pegged it back under the dreaded figures.
Once again, tough young midfielder Mitch Cotter worked tirelessly for the Doves, with the Frankston VFL listed player in brilliant tough for his senior club.
But it was all about the Kangaroos, who are looking like a rejuvenated club, with an excellent mix of veterans and youngsters.
The Kangaroos play Tooradin-Dalmore at Starling Road, while Doveton and Pakenham will battle it out at AJ Robinson Oval.
Officer 23.18(156)
Doveton 9.10(64)
Pakenham v Tooradin-Dalmore
Bank the four points, move on.
That was the most important thing for Tooradin-Dalmore in its season opener against Pakenham under lights at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday night, with the Gulls withstanding a late Lion charge after injuries mounted for the visitors throughout the evening.
A moment of sheer class from Nick Lang started a brilliant first quarter from the Gulls.
Marking the ball deep in the pocket 40 out only two minutes into play, Lang bended the ball through the big sticks in a manner Eddie Betts would be proud of, giving the visitors a tailor made start.
The Gulls had seven scoring shots in the first quarter, racing out to a 16 point lead that eventually ballooned out to 33 at half time, cutting apart the Lions with speed and efficient ball use off half back.
But this lead proved pivotal as injuries took a toll, with the injury of Kris Sabbatucci and a couple of head knocks resulting in concussions severely hampering the interchange rotations.
And with the natural fatigue of a season opening clash, the Lions capitalized, closing in to 22 points at three quarter time after sparks from the likes of Jake Barclay, Stephen Morey (three goals) and impressive recruit Trent Wreford in the ruck.
But the Gulls stood firm despite the barrage in the last quarter, with coach Lachie Gillespie admitting that his players were out of legs and had to fight for the 13 point win, after being up by as much as 26 with only 10 minutes to play before a snap by Steven O’Bryan began a late charge.
“We had some injuries, which sort of stuffed up our rotations,” Gillespie said.
“We were down a bloke early, and a couple of head knocks, it was always going to be tough from there without a bench, but I’m really proud of the boys for hanging tough and getting through it.
“We walk away with four points, so we’re happy.”
Gillespie knew that the Lions were coming hard and could have overrun his side had it not been for the final siren, but praised his leaders and recruits for standing tall.
“I’m never comfortable, I’m always on edge, we could see the boys were running out of legs late – with an injury toll we had, I felt we did well and worked pretty hard,” he said.
“It was a good team effort, one of our new recruits in Dylan Wilson was fantastic, and he was brilliant on the big stage – all of our new blokes slotted in new well, like Matt Sloper, Dean Warry and Nathan Goodacre.
“It was really impressive, and our old guard did really well – you probably don’t realise how hard round one is, and when you lose so many, it’s something you can’t train for, it comes down to mental toughness.”
But it’s the start Gillespie’s side needed, who need to move on to the in-form Officer quickly, while Pakenham showed steely resolve and a hunger for the contest, something that would please coach Ash Green.
Pakenham 8.8(56)
Tooradin-Dalmore 10.9(69)
