By David Nagel
Doveton has failed in its first big test under new coach Aaron Davey with a 26-point loss to Cranbourne in the South East Football Netball League match of the day at Robinson Oval.
The Doves matched motors with the reigning champs until three quarter time, but a 6.2 to 2.1 final term silenced the large home crowd in attendance.
Livewire Doveton forwards Michael Henry and Nick Battle kicked the only two goals of the opening term, capitalising on the great work of ruckman Russell Gabriel and an intense brand of footy around the stoppages.
“Our attitude is brilliant boys, our pressure is up and they’re fumbling, we’ve really come to play, but it means nothing if we don’t bring it again,” Davey said.
Davey moved full-forward Taylor Joyce out to centre half forward in an attempt to drag Cranbourne’s best defender Brandon Osborne out of the goal-square.
Osborne has been the pre-eminent defender in SEFNL for the last seven years and added a goal-less Joyce to his long-list of battles won.
Goals to Troy Tharle, Shaun Marusic and Keenan Hughes saw the Eagles take an eight-point lead, 3.5 to 2.3, into half time.
The tempo lifted in the second half, the Doves kicking four goals to three in the third term to trail by a point at the final change.
Cranbourne coach Simon Goosey almost knew what was about to happen.
“We spoke at half time about paying the price and this is where we need to dig deep and give everything,” Goosey roared.
“I know we’ve got the run in the legs, but if they get a good start don’t drop your heads.”
How prophetic those words would prove to be with the Doves taking the lead through Battle, just 18 seconds in, before the Eagles took command.
They kicked five on the trot to run away with the contest.
Khaled ‘Cyril’ Kandakji kicked two including a goal-of-the-year contender from directly in front of the Doveton members.
Cyril brought back memories of Peter Daicos with a magnificent dribble kick from the boundary while running at full tilt.
Marusic, Osborne and Tharle were outstanding for the winners while Gabriel and Henry scored top marks for the Doves.
In other games, Hampton Park went down to Officer by 92 points; Beaconsfield scored a 72-point win over Pakenham, while Narre Warren bounced back to the winners list with an eight-goal victory over Tooradin. Berwick had the bye
