EFFORT can do amazing things – in the Dandenong Stingrays’ case it took them to a much-needed TAC Cup win over Eastern Ranges at Bayswater Oval on Saturday in front of a large, vocal crowd.
The Stingrays won 20.14 (134) to 12.14 (86).
CLICK HERE for our picture gallery from the big game.
After a tight first term the Stingrays lifted their intensity and their tackle count, jumping out to a half-time lead and powering to an impressive win.
Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats said his players were starting to understand the level of effort needed to be competitive at TAC Cup level.
“I’m really impressed with the way they worked really hard right from the start of the game.
“I’m not sure where we are at. We’re still developing the group and still learning about the kids and trying to establish the base acceptance of the work rate required at this level.”
Yeats said the noticeable increase in the number of tackles showed the Stingrays had lifted their intensity.
“We only had seven or eight tackles in the first quarter and I think we had seven or eight tackles inside our forward 50-metre line in the second quarter.
“So we were able to keep the ball inside our scoring area and obviously got more scoring shots from that pressure.”
The Stingrays had winners across the ground. Dale Gawley, Angus Scott, Clayton McCartney, Jordan Bastinac, Zak Jones and Blake Pearson were named best players. McCartney kicked four goals and Jack Soroczynski added three goals.
Bottom-age player Tom Lamb was also impressive at half-forward, setting up a number of attacks and showing clean hands in the forward line.
“We think we have a really good balanced squad, so we never have to rely on any individuals,” Yeats said.
“We seek a consistent, across-the-board effort and work rate.”
Yeats has challenged his players to maintain their efforts across the season.
“Their talent comes with them, but on the back of hard work you can play well and set up the things you’re trying to set up.
“We think we have enough talent. It’s just a matter of utilising that and getting them to understand that on the back of hard work their talents will shine through.”
Ranges coach Darren Bewick was disappointed in his side and praised the Stingrays’ intensity.
“To their credit they worked really hard and gave us a lesson on how you should go about it through the midfield.
“I hope our boys learn from playing against a good team and a good midfield.”
The TAC Cup has a week off this weekend as Vic Metro and Vic Country squads play trial games before the first game of the AFL under-18 national championships.
The Stingrays host North Ballarat Rebels at Shepley Oval at 1pm next Saturday.
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