The Dandenong Southern Stingrays continued on their winning way with a very hard fought 14 point victory over AFL Queensland Scorpions in the Round 4 TAC Cup match last Saturday, which was played in lovely sunny weather at Redland Football Ground, Brisbane prior to a NEAFL game.
The Stingrays added highly touted draft chance Jacob Weitering, but lost Kieran Collins and Lachlan Batten on Thursday night to injury. It gave James Freeman and Zac Roscoe another opportunity to impress, both playing their second game for the year. The Stingrays had trained well during the week and prepared well for an interstate travel. The Scorpions were pumped from the word go and with twin tower Ruckman (200cm) controlled the stoppages for the first 5 minutes, but to the credit of the Stingrays midfield and backline they nullified their dominance especially in the air, led strongly by Weitering, Daniel Capiron and Brandon White.
Travis Young scored the first major after a very strongly contested mark, but Queensland would be disappointed with their outcome on the scoreboard as they wasted many opportunities inside their 50. A second goal a few minutes later to the Stingrays came through Young. Queensland then took it straight out of the middle and kicked their first and continued to control the play inside their fifty but couldn’t penetrate the goals mainly again due to great backline defence and midfield pressure. As the first quarter siren sounded Stingrays Jimmy Freeman took a strong mark and kicked truly giving the visitors a 12 point margin.
The second term started well for the home team as they scored the first goal. Gach Nyuon took control in the Ruck and the midfield brigade locked down and lifted their intensity and pressure on the young Scorpions team. It became a game of defence played between the arcs and the wings for both teams played a pivotal role in scoring assists. Myles Poholke drifted back into space and kicked the Stingrays first goal, followed moments later with Young’s 3rd goal after some strong clearance work from the middle. From that point on the young Stingrays were dominated by a hard running Queensland unit who had adapted better to the hot and humid conditions. After numerous inside 50’s Queensland finally added their 2nd goal for the term going into the long break 8 points down and with all the momentum. The Stingrays were lucky to be in front at this stage with many chances wasted in front of goal by Queensland.
During the long term break, Stingrays Coach Craig Black was full of praise to his players for continuing to play their individual role, but challenged them to work harder defensively and to use the ball better in contested and uncontested situations- especially entering the forward line. With the temperature sitting at 27 degrees and the high humidity it was taking its toll on the visiting team, majority of the break was spent in the air conditioned rooms, ice jackets and baths in an attempt to reignite some run from the midfield.
The third saw the ball deep inside 50 for the Stingrays, but very good defensive work from the Scorpions saw them control the play and penetrate their inside 50 with no score. This would be the way the game was played for the next 5 minutes with no both teams unable to hit a clean inside 50 targets until a lucky free kick saw Zak Roscoe kick truly and restore a 8 point buffer. The heat which all thought would be a factor for the travelling Stingrays seemed to affect the Scorpions more who seemed to shut down and stop their run and chase for a short period allowing Travis Young to kick his 4th. The second goal seemed to ignite the Scorpions, whilst the Stingrays took their turn in showing fatigue allowing two goals in a row to close the margin to 8 points as the siren sounded.
The final term was perfectly set up for which team wanted it more. Black reminded players of the Anzac Spirit which was a part of the pre-game focus, “ANZAC's were cheeky youth who had thrown themselves into the brutal world of war and proved to all, they were equal to anyone on the battlefield.” This was a different battle, one played out on the football ground. No one’s life was ever going to be lost but the mateship, honor, respect and commitment was called upon bellowed Black. As they left the huddle 23 players made a stand as one for the next 28 minutes.
It was a battle in the last, with both sides lifting but unable to get a clear entry or straight shot only peppering minor scores. It took some soccer brilliance from live wire Darcy Warke to break the deadlock giving the Stingrays a 2 goal buffer. The game was played out to the script with the Anzac spirit shown by both sides, no one was backing down and Queensland hit back with a goal sparking a few scuffles across the ground- the win meant something with both sides wanted it.
The Stingrays would lose Liam Myatt moments later to a serious knee injury that halted play for a good few minutes, allowing both sides to regroup for the final 10 minutes. Both sides were eyes only for the ball and after a few minutes of play the ball entered deep inside the Stingrays 50 that resulted in an amazing goal on the run by Jake Dipasquale. It looked like the game sealer, but in what was the theme of the day the opposition responded until James Freeman finished off some hard grunting work allowing for a 14 point win as the siren sounded. It true mateship both sides took their time showing their appreciation before leaving the arena.
Black added after the game that this was a very special win against a very good Queensland side. He added, “I felt we always had the better foot skills, but they showed true spirit. They are very well drilled and know each other well…they will be hard to beat in the Championships.”
He finished by saying, “Today is such a special day for all Australians and New Zealander’s, for us as a club to be given the opportunity to play and remember those who gave so much for our country is truly something I think this playing group will remember for such a long time. I feel for Liam, as all the players do, he was playing consistent football…I do know that Liam, the players and club will stick tight and help him recover- whatever happens.”
It was great to have ex Stingrays player and current Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitcsh addressed the playing group and staff on Friday night at the team dinner. Justin was the first player drafted from the Stingrays, also named in the team of the century. The players ate up every piece of advice he gave and we wish Justin and all ex Stingrays graduates all the best with their football this year.
This year the Stingrays have also added Travis Johnstone to the coaching staff. Travis’s knowledge and insight has been invaluable not only to the players, but also to the young coaching group. To have an
Ex-Stingrays graduate and Number 1 draft pick came back to the club is gold, but as the game day runner shows the TAC Cup and Dandenong Southern Stingrays future looks solid.
Next Saturday, May 2nd the Stingrays play at home at 11.00am against NSW/ACT Rams for round 5 TAC Cup clash. Entry is free.
Last Modified on 27/04/2015 18:55