Panthers claw a draw with Doveton

By Brad Kingsbury
DOVETON was expected to have an easy day at the Robinson Reserve on Saturday, but did not count on a rejuvenated Devon Meadows taking the game right up to it and forcing the first draw of 2009.
In the end the Panthers were unlucky not to get the points after an Ash Adams’ snap at goal drifted through for a behind, levelling the scores with only 20 seconds left to play.
A strong wind played its part in the first half with the Doves taking advantage in the opening term and booting away to a three-goal lead, but the visitors rallying in the second quarter and taking a three-point lead into the half-time break.
That advantage should have been bigger after the Panthers booted an inaccurate 3.9 for the quarter.
The Doves looked set to break away in the third term with Russell Gabriel taking control in the air and Ricky Hayes creating many attacks from half-back.
However the Panthers hung in through the efforts of star recruit Daniel Rigg and gun wingman Stefan Baumgartner, who returned to the side from the Dandenong Stingrays.
The difference at the final break in play was nine points in favour of the Doves, which proved telling as darkness fell and a yellow ball was called for in the last quarter.
Ball handling conditions changed and the game became mistake-riddled, but still the Panthers came at the Doves, just falling short of a classic victory and leaving both camps lamenting what might have been.
Doveton is still coming to terms with its new coaching structure under reserves coach Mark Mott, forced on it after last week’s AFL Victoria decision not to grant Clint Wilson accreditation to lead the club.
However, that was not used as an excuse for Saturday’s below expectation performance.
At the Glover Reserve, Panthers coach Steve O’Brien was pleased with the way his players had reacted to the home truths he had given them after the previous weekend’s loss and said that maybe the Doves had underestimated his side.
“It was a good turnaround, but a win would have been better,” he said.
“I’m quite proud of the boys. They played well under pressure and our consistency over the game was much better. That’s something that you really have to bring to the table every week in this competition.”
Cranbourne too strong
Cranbourne began its 2009 campaign with a sometimes sure and sometimes scrappy 29-point win over a disappointing Tooradin at the Western Port Oval.
Eagles’ coach Doug Koop was forced to hastily rearrange his side after talented youngster Chris Doria was seconded to the Frankston Dolphins VFL squad on Saturday morning, but from the first bounce the visitors looked switched on and in control.
Kicking with the assistance of a gusty breeze, Cranbourne booted four goals to none in the first term to lead by 26 points at quarter time and set the scene for the afternoon.
Star Eagle forward Marc Holt played deep and was marked by Seagull defender Jason Boocock, who battled away hard, despite conceding significant height and strength.
The second term was a negative affair with Tooradin again failing to worry the goalkickers’ list leaving the big Anzac Day home crowd with grave concerns that a blowout result was on the cards.
To Tooradin’s credit it regrouped at the long break and lifted its work rate, led by ruckman Steve Arvanitis, together with Chad Liddell, Rory Gilliatte and youngster Jack Cole, booting six second-half goals to make the end result more respectable on the scoreboard.
Tooradin continues to improve but needs its best side on the field and will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Beau Miller after next week’s bye.
Koop’s concern was the way his side took its foot off the pedal when there was a significant percentage boost on offer at half-time.
However, given it was his side’s first game after drawing the opening round bye, the four points was the only real aim and that was achieved.
Tough Cranbourne defender Matt Rus was awarded the Anzac Day medal for best afield, while his teammates Troy Tharle-Adams, Luke Martin and Robert Beadel were also solid contributors throughout the afternoon.
Cranbourne started the year with five victories from five games with the club’s reserves, under-18s, colts and newly formed women’s side all taking the points in their opening-round games.