Dandenong sting Dragons top four hopes

A six-goal-to-zero second quarter set up the Dandenong Stingrays 11^th win of the season as they defeated the Sandringham Dragons by 9 points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday.

 

The Dragons fought back from a 44-point deficit in the third quarter to go into the final term four points down. An even final quarter meant Sandringham couldn’t quite get over the line despite digging deep and challenging the third-placed Stingrays.

 

The Stingrays came out of the blocks in the second quarter scoring six goals in 10 minutes before two goals from lively small forward Aaron Trusler before half time ensured the game wasn’t out of reach for the Dragons.

 

An off-the-ball free kick for a hit on Nathan Murphy, which saw him leave the field sick, at the start of the third quarter ignited fire in the Dragons, as they piled on six of the next eight goals to keep their top four hopes alive.

 

Talent manager Ryan O’Connor said he was proud of the Dragons efforts after being challenged, saying it reflected the positive direction of Sandringham and their TAC Cup program.

 

Senior coach Jeremy Barnard said the clubs poor forward 50 entries to goals ratio was something the club would work on after they ran at less than 10% for the game.

 

“We were under the pump in the second quarter, they [Stingrays] played really good footy,” he said at the Milanos post-match function.

 

“We limited their effectiveness after half time and that made a big difference when we got control of the game.

 

“We dropped a way a bit in the last quarter but we will keep working on that … it is really important that when we lose we learn what worked and what didn’t.”

 

Midfielder and national combine invited Angus Styles was awarded the Fin Fitness best on ground after a strong four-quarter comeback performance from a poor game previously.

 

“Gus really was our best player today … he took the game on, he tried to be aggressive with his decisions and ball use and he played a fantastic game today,” Barnard said. 

 

Styles gathered 18 disposals, five tackles, two inside 50s and one goal.

 

Newcomer Ed Newman was nominated the Sportsmart coaches award for the second time after amassing 21 disposals, four clearances, three inside 50s and three tackles.

 

Barnard said it was pleasing to see him slot into the Dragons program and game plan so seamlessly.

 

Sandringham will now face the Northern Knights (7-9) at MARS Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday from 3:30pm for their final home and away game of the 2017 season.

 

 

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

Goal Kickers: A. Trusler 3, J. Gorman 2, A. Styles, C. Constable, S. Williams, A. Brayshaw, A. Jarnestrom
Best Players: E. Newman, A. Brayshaw, N. Murphy, S. Williams, J. Amartey

 

DANDENONG STINGRAYS

Goal Kickers: J. Nanscawen 2, H. Clark 2, A. Bonar, R. Bowman, M. Riordan, A. Young, L. Davies - Uniacke, W. Hamill, B. Williams
Best Players: H. Clark, M. DeWit, B. Morrish, L. Davies - Uniacke, T. Freeman, O. Clavarino