News

FRANKSTON put an end to its three-game losing streak in impressive fashion, beating 2006 minor premiers the Northern Bullants by 13 points.

The final margin flattered the Bullants, after the Dolphins dominated the first three quarters and led by seven goals early in the final term before fading.

A perfect blend of towering size and crafty speed powered the Dolphins for the first three quarters.

While 200-centimetre pair Ashley Eames and Daniel Clarke dominated the aerial contests, the lightning Frankston attack of Ricky Morris ( four goals), Justin Berry (three) and Tory Dickson ( two) were simply too dynamic for the Bullants' defence. The undersized forward line worked beautifully, with local knowledge coming into play as the Frankston forwards continually drilled goals from long distance and almost any angle.

The Bullants are badly missing gun centre half-forward Digby Morrell, who has been sidelined since round six with broken ribs. Despite solid efforts from Josh Kennedy and Paul Colbert ( five goals), they are struggling to kick big scores without their first-choice forward.

Bullant Josh Houlihan, making his 100th VFL appearance, was exceptional and finished with four majors.

Souring Frankston's return to form was the report of Morris on a misconduct charge in the final quarter.

While St Kilda failed to bounce back from a tumultuous week in the headlines, VFL affiliate Casey stood tall to record its best win of the season over Port Melbourne by 24 points. The Scorpions had most of the play but still trailed by 21 points at half-time, before ironing out the kinks and running all over the Borough in the second half. Looking far from a 12th-placed team, Casey had 21 scoring shots to six after the long break to smash a legitimate top-four contender.

In a classic captain's performance, Nigel Carmody played a blinder in the midfield, while Andrew McQualter and Fergus Watts ( three goals) were the best of St Kilda's contingent.

Casey coach Peter Banfield believes the win might inspire a season fightback by the Scorpions, who have one win from their previous seven matches.

In yesterday's other match, Williamstown was never troubled by North Ballarat. The Roosters were belted from pillar to post and had 15 fewer scoring shots than the Seagulls in the 40-point loss.