By Hayley Wildes
It’s certainly been a struggle for the Dandenong Stingrays in recent weeks. With so many of their stars missing due to Vic Country commitments, the Rays have lost their last four games, including a loss to the Calder Cannons on Saturday.
It was one-way traffic in the first half as the Cannons took control of the game with slick ball movement and great forward 50 entries. At the main break, Calder held a 45-point lead, 9.3 (57) to 2.0 (12).
After a tough first half in which Dandenong struggled to get its hands on the ball, the Stingrays came out with a renewed sense of urgency and confidence in the third quarter. With Jack Toner, Lachlan Williams and Ashton Williamson all getting heavily involved, Dandenong trimmed the lead to 29 points at the final break after booting three goals to one in the term.
The signs were encouraging heading into the final term, but the Stingrays couldn’t keep up as the Cannons blew the game apart with seven goals to zero in a dominant finish to the game. Calder claimed a 68-point win, 17.5 (107) to 5.9 (39).
Despite the disappointing result, Jack Toner (28 disposals), Lachlan Williams (23 disposals and five tackles), Reece Orchard (14 disposals and 13 tackles), Ashton Williamson (three goals and five tackles) and Max Gregory (15 disposals and five tackles) gave their all for Dandenong.
The Stingrays fall to 6-4 on the season and sit seventh on the ladder. While the last four rounds have been tough for Dandenong, it isn’t all doom and gloom as for the final four rounds of the season the Stingrays should have a full squad to pick from as the 2019 AFL Under-18 Championships are now complete.
Unfortunately for the Stingrays’ Vic Country representatives, the team fell agonisingly short of winning the Championships as Western Australia claimed the trophy with a last-kick, five-point win over Vic Country last Wednesday at Marvel Stadium.
Highlighting the talent the Stingrays possess, Hayden Young, Sam De Koning and Cody Weightman were all selected in the 2019 Under-18 All Australian team after great showings throughout the carnival.
After a league-wide bye this weekend, Dandenong returns to action on Sunday 21 July. They face the Sandringham Dragons on the road from 9.30am. A win could see them jump back up to fifth position.
