Above: The Demons celebrate a crucial third-term goal that spelled the beginning of the end of Dingley’s dominance.By Glen Atwell
THE spirit of local football was alive and kicking at Springvale Reserve on Saturday when the Springvale Districts defeated the highly fancied Dingley in a mesmerising match.
Troubled memories of Southern Football League (SFL) Division Two blow-outs and Parkmore’s persistent problems faded away as cars parked as far as the eye could see down Newcomen Road.
Supporters queued 10 deep for a hot dog, and even longer for a beer.
In the Devils Den, a lofted haven for Springvale faithful, it was standing room only.
At ground level, most Dingley supporters huddled close together in a desperate attempt to escape the chilly breeze and near-freezing temperatures.
This was the SFL game of the year – two undefeated sides set to lock horns in a contest that would determine the team most likely to raise the premiership trophy come September.
For most of the day the mid-season bragging rights belonged to Dingley, but somehow the devilish Demons prevailed by 21 points.
Dingley dominated the first quarter, thanks mostly to accurate goal-kicking and an unorganised Springvale midfield.
Andrew Frost seemed without an opponent and booted three crucial goals in the first term to propel the Dingoes to the lead.
At the scoreboard end the Demons were wasteful, and were forced wide when entering the forward line by the speedy Dingley defence.
By quarter-time Springvale had enjoyed three more scoring shots on goal, but it was Dingley getting the job done with five goals straight and a seven-point lead.
At the Springvale huddle, coach Stephen Hughes rued two centre bounce free kicks that directly resulted in two Dingley goals.
On the opposing wing, Dingley coach Adam Quinn praised the efforts of his side.
Dingley extended the lead to 20 points in the second term, but the margin should have been more.
The young Dingoes dominated their more experienced and bigger-bodied opponents all over the ground, yet managed to convert just three of eight scoring shots into six-point plays.
But after half-time, the momentum swung.
Springvale emerged refreshed and revived and booted six goals to two in the third quarter to take an unlikely three-point lead into the final huddle.
Dingley’s dominance was over, and the Demons marched towards a memorable 21-point victory.
Mark Williams and Mark Charles played a pivotal role in Springvale’s victory, kicking six and four goals respectively.
For Dingley goal-kicker Adam Quinn, it was a game he would rather forget.
He booted just one goal, missed six and was comprehensively beaten by Springvale defender Dean Kovacic.
Demons 300-game veteran Robbie Burns was in career-best form and was clearly best on ground, while Andrew Frost was best afield for Dingley.
Springvale coach Stephen Hughes said it was one of those wins that made playing footy worthwhile.
“It was a really gutsy win,” he said.
Hughes praised Burns and Kovacic on match-winning games.
“Burns just gets better with age, he really set himself for a big one,” he said.
“And Dean was sensational – he is probably the best full back in the league.”
Dingley coach Quinn was philosophical about the loss.
“We dominated play for most of the game. I’m proud of our performance regardless of the result,” he said.
“I kicked poorly and singled myself out to the group, but we played well.
“I doubt that Springvale would be convinced they have the premiership in the bag. It was a close game and we’re right up there.”
