By ROY WARD
DINGLEY didn’t just take the opportunity to beat Clayton and signal itself as a premiership contender on Saturday.
The Dingoes grabbed it, gripped it and tackled it to the ground, scoring a resounding 57-point victory over the Clays at Souter Oval and maintaining their undefeated record after five rounds of the Southern Football League division 1 season.
Dingley won the match 14.10 (94) to 5.7 (37).
CLICK HERE for our picture gallery of the match.
The Dingoes’ club statistics recorded 74 tackles for the match, eclipsing their pre-game target of 60 tackles.
Dingoes coach Shane Morwood said his side had lifted for the occasion, especially in the first half, making 41 of their tackles before the main break.
“They are much stronger than us but our intensity over the whole game was great. Overall, to beat a team like Clayton by nine goals was a great effort. They have some fair scalps under their belt this season.”
While a good start will attract more admirers, Morwood said the Dingoes’ stellar play came down to having a stronger knowledge of their game plan and the will to keep improving.
“It just takes time,” Morwood said. “This is my third year coaching the guys. It takes a lot of time to get them playing as you want them to play and doing what you want them to do.
“They understand it better now and even with the introduction of some new kids this year they’ve picked it up because the others already know it.
“When everyone is predictable to each other, it makes the rest of the game much easier.”
The Dingoes’ best were Chris Morgan, Tony Lavars, Luke Walmsley, Matt Morwood, Luke Bartholomew and Jack Ades. Bret Lavars, Matt Freeman and Bartholomew all kicked three goals each.
Clayton coach Ben McGee was very disappointed in his players but gave Dingley praise for their efforts.
“Dingley is a good side — they are the real deal and will be there at the business end of the season.”
The Dingoes will look to create some club history when they visit East Brighton this Saturday.
“It should be a great day. We have never ever beaten East Brighton. We lost by a point to them last year after leading all day,” Morwood said.
“Then they smashed us in the final round when neither side could move up or down on the ladder.
In division 2 Springvale Districts lost to Bentleigh by 26 points with Brendan Ashman kicking four goals.
In division 3 a five goals to one third term from Mt Waverley proved a match-winner as the Mountain Lions beat Sandown by 14 points at Edinburgh Reserve. John Frenken and Jake Chapman were the Cobras’ best.
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