News

Source: Herald Sun

UP TO a dozen first-gamers could be in Frankston's team to tackle Sandringham in Sunday's VFL season opener at Kars St.

The Dolphins' list has never been so young and inexperienced.

Only two players on the list captain Paul Kennedy and Clinton Proctor have played more than 50 VFL games.

Just four have played 20 games or more.

Frankston's average age is 19.

But, according to Frankston's new coach Simon Goosey, the Dolphins' new look is a good thing.

"That's the exciting thing," he said.

"When we came in we had a blank canvas to work with. There were no leaders from past years, so we've put our values what we thought were important on the club and the players have embraced everything that we've done."

Frankston has lost a chunk of experience and class since last season's dreary 3-15 (12th) showing.

Gone are many key players, including Justin Berry, Marcus Marigliani, Neil Winterton, Shaun Pollard, James Magner and Ricky Morris.

Goosey is unperturbed by the sudden loss of experience.

"People always say, 'Oh you've lost a lot of players'," he said. "But where did it take us last year?"

Goosey, who has coached premierships at Mornington, wants to win games.

"I'm not going to give the boys an excuse to say we're developing," he said.

"I still want finals to be an aim for us. I think that's important."

Frankston has played four practice games in preparation and, at certain times, pushed Casey Scorpions, Coburg, Port Melbourne and North Ballarat.

"We've shown what we are capable of doing," Goosey said.

"I'm very confident going into the season. We'll be very good.

"One thing I'm mindful of doing is we must put a game plan in place to win finals football.

"Look, I've been around footy for a long time and I think we've been doing that. Players are taking to it."

Where are the goals going to come from?

"We're going to have to share them around, everyone's going to have to contribute. That's what today's football is about anyway, that we don't rely on anyone," he said.

Goosey said those capable of kicking goals were Luke Clark, Toby Thoolen, Nick Boswell, Proctor, Ben Crowe, Alex Lee and Ben Davis.

He said some of the youngsters to watch were Michael Hibberd, Marc Westcott, Russell Gabriel and Mark Baguley.

"If they work hard they could play beyond Frankston," he said.

* ADDING spice to this Sunday's clash with Sandringham, the Zebras line-up could boast four ex-Dolphins.

Magner, Kelvin Barnes, Nick Benbow and Michael Lourey could be up against their old mates.

Also, former Seaford star and MPNFL league medallist Chris Irving will make his VFL debut with Sandy.