From Sunday Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
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The tide is turning at Frankston, with the Dolphins scoring successive victories for the first time in almost six years with a 13-point win over Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Coach Simon Goosey had a five-year plan to transform the competition's whipping boys into finals contenders and the results are evident.
Frankston knocked off last year's grand finalist Port Melbourne last week and held off a fast-finishing Pies outfit on Saturday.
The key, said Goosey, has been getting players drafted into the AFL system.
Michael Hibberd, Dylan Van Unen and Mark Baguley are at Essendon while Marcus Marigliani was on the Bombers' list in 2011. Another former Dolphin, Kyle Martin, kicked four goals for the Collingwood VFL team on Saturday.
Now young players want to play for Frankston.
''We identified way back that it was important that we do get players drafted because to be a successful club you've got to have players wanting to come to you,'' Goosey said. ''I reckon four years ago, I remember speaking to players and we were only paying 30 per cent of the salary cap so there weren't too many who wanted to come. Our mantra was to get young blokes and hopefully get them drafted and make us a club of choice.''
Frankston's two big recruits this season hail from Sandringham. Michael Lourey kicked eight goals on Saturday, while veteran midfielder David Gallagher continues to be one of the league's most tireless players.
Goosey said Lourey had shown some strong signs in recent weeks.
''He was fantastic,'' Goosey said. ''Michael in the last three games … he's been really good.
''It's probably persistence, hard work … it's his tackling and chasing that have been good too. Last week he was really good up the ground.''
Mitch Bosward held Martin for three quarters before the Pies rookie finished with three majors in the final term.
Josh Dyson and Lachie Delahunty were crucial in the first half as the Dolphins went to a 20-point lead at the main break.
Russell Gabriel was influential in the ruck and Gallagher's experience was crucial.
''Don't underestimate experience, it's invaluable to our young boys,'' Goosey said.
Collingwood's Andrew Krakouer showed some encouraging signs and fellow Magpie Alan Didak was dangerous up forward with three goals.
Frankston hosts reigning premier Geelong next week.
The Cats pinched a five-point thriller over the Box Hill Hawks at Simonds Stadium on Saturday, with Jackson Thurlow kicking the match-winner. The Cats appeared to have the match in hand before Hawks veteran Brian Lake steered through a late goal.
Jackson Sheringham showed some terrific signs with an important last quarter in his return from injury.
Geelong VFL coach Matthew Knights said: ''We're pleased that Jackson got through the game, he'll be much better for that run.''
Jordan Schroder (21 disposals) and Cameron Guthrie (14) were also among the Cats' best.
■Melbourne's David Rodan was best on ground with 24 touches and three goals in the Casey Scorpions' 83-point win over Essendon at Windy Hill.
Jordie McKenzie and James Magner finished with 31 disposals, while Jake Spencer dominated in the ruck and finished with 19 disposals. Jesse Hogan again starred up forward with four goals.
Essendon's Joe Daniher crept further towards an AFL debut with four goals to be the best Bomber on the field. Kyle Hardingham and Ariel Steinberg were also among the better Essendon players.
■North Melbourne's Aaron Black, with five goals, and Ben Jacobs were the best in North Ballarat's 85-point win over Bendigo at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday night.
