From The Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
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FRANKSTON says it will finally be able to bolster its promising list with some experienced talent over the pre-season.
The Dolphins, cash strapped in terms of players in recent times as they pay for the redevelopment of their home ground, will begin to reap the rewards of two seasons of ''consolidation'' down the bottom of the ladder, according to coach Simon Goosey.
Frankston had just its second win of the season - by 67 points over Coburg - at Frankston Oval yesterday.
Goosey said the club would be in a position in the pre-season to offer more financially to delisted AFL players in the 24-to-28-year-old age bracket. It had put significant energy - with little to offer financially - into obtaining Brendan Fevola during the last pre-season, before the former AFL star settled on Casey.
There has been speculation the club might try to entice former Sandringham spearhead Nick Sautner out of retirement. Goosey not ruled out speaking to the former VFL champion.
''I knew two years ago when I took it on that we had to consolidate for a couple of years and we've been getting games into the kids,'' he said. ''For probably the last month, we've been speaking to potential recruits.'' The club was in excellent spirits yesterday. So far the young group has sung the club song just twice. Each time it came after beating Coburg. The loss ended any chance of the Tigers playing in the finals.
Former St Kilda rookie Khan Haretuku was clearly best on ground yesterday in his best game for the Dolphins, with 13 marks and two goals in the 17.13 (115) to 7.6 (48) win.
Russell Gabriel dominated in the ruck against Richmond-listed Andrew Browne, while potential AFL recruit Mark Baguley stepped up a gear when needed. Sam Power and Willie Wheeler were the best for Coburg on a disappointing day.
