By JARROD POTTER
THE Redlegs ran out of puff against Carrum Patterson Lakes – downed by 17 points in the SFL preliminary final showdown.
Looking to avenge a six-point loss to the Lions in the qualifying final two weeks earlier, the Redlegs came out firing – a four-goal opening quarter signalled its intent to make the final match of the year.
Taking a 15-point lead at quarter time, with coach Daniel Atkin and star midfielder Ryan Forsyth chipping away at the Lions’ defence.
The second quarter heated up as Dandenong fought to hold a slender lead – edging out Carrum by four points at the main break.
The Lions roared away from the Redlegs in the fourth term – eradicating Dandenong’s slender six-point lead and banging on the match-winning three goals necessary to advance to face Doveton Eagles this Saturday, while Dandenong was kept scoreless in the final term.
Atkin led from the front all match with three goals, David McKean also chipping in for a pair.
Chris Hatfield roamed long and far to chop out for his team mates, with Matt Doggett, Forsyth and Warren Kairns all impressing in their last Redlegs outing for the season.
In the 50th season of the club’s existence, 2013 proved the most successful in recent history for Dandenong (formerly Dandenong West) Football Club, making a preliminary final for the first time in 24 years and finishing second on the SFL Division 3 ladder.
SFL SCOREBOARD
DANDENONG 4.3 5.5 7.8 7.8 (50)
CARRUM PATTERSON LAKES 2.0 5.1 7.3 10.7 (67)
Dandenong Goals: D. Atkin 3, D. McKean 2, R. Forsyth, M. Doggett. Best: C. Hatfield, M. Doggett, W. Kairns, R. Forsyth, R. Mackwell, C. Moon.
Carrum Patterson Lakes Goals: M. Scoble 3, J. Stephens 2, W. Judd, L. Walter, A. Lucas, G. Townsend, N. Scott. Best: A. Lucas, S. Cormack, D. Graves, G. Townsend, B. Willson, P. Shaw-Dennis.
