Dandenong’s Jason Pongracic eludes the grasp of Eastern Ranges’ debutant Tom Rourke. 69336
By Jarrod Potter
THE Stingrays could earn a double-chance semi-final after their 67-point rout of the Eastern Ranges boosted them to fifth place and within reach of fourth.
The Ranges were no match for the Stingrays, who negated any Eastern initiative and the collective effort of Dandenong’s six backman – but especially Piva Wright – stifled Eastern’s giant weapon Jonathon Patton, who only collected a few behinds.
The Stingrays kicked away in the last quarter, with a five-goal-to-none effort to push the margin to over 11 goals, as Stingrays forward Brett O’Hanlon booted four in a best-on-ground performance.
Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats was impressed with the collective effort of the group.
“The goals we set for the players we executed well,” Yeats said.
“We’re working hard to be a selfless team. In the last five weeks, we’ve generally improved in a lot of areas, so going into September that’s a positive sign for us.”
Yeats thought the contribution of every player was excellent, making it difficult for him to select only a handful for the best players.
“When you struggle to fit six in the best and reckon you could put 20 in, that’s a real reward for the coaching group,” he said.
“We had a really even contribution … and that’s what we strive for every week.”
Jack Sheppard returned to the Stingrays side, an addition Yeats was pleased to acquire before the finals.
“Jack is someone we’ve earmarked all season,” Yeats said. “He’s a really good ball user, strong bodied and has pace.
“He’s only played half a dozen games as he has been in and out with injury.
“We were always keen to play him, but it was a case of getting him back before the season ran out.”
Yeats said Dandenong would love to get the finals double chance because of the exposure to VFL/AFL recruiters – and better competition it offers the team.
“It’s better to guarantee your-self two finals than just getting knocked out in the first week,” Yeats said.
“It’s (fourth place) there for the Western Jets to lose, as it’s their spot at the moment.
We’ve got to play well enough to beat Bendigo.
“I think our percentage will have be given a fairly good boost, so it really comes down to if the Jets can beat Sandy, and if they win, they’ve deserved their spot.”
