By Brad Kingsbury
DOVETON was always going to be a danger side in 2009, but the inclusion of star forward Danny Casset, combined with a renewed commitment to run for four quarters, saw the Doves lift to another level in Saturday’s 66-point win over ROC.
The win takes them into second spot on the ladder.
Magnificent pack-breaking goals to captain Justin Hill and Casset in the first three minutes of the game set the scene for the Doves, who dominated play across the ground for the first three quarters, increasing their lead at every break.
The result threatened triple figures at three-quarter-time when the home side held an 82-point advantage, but the Kangaroos took advantage of several injuries to key Doves and outscored their rivals in the final term to add some respectability to their score.
All in all it was a dirty day for the new-look Kangaroos and coach Kris Fletcher admitted that after the game.
“We were not switched on at all and that was evident from the start,” he said.
“It was very disappointing in that respect, but everyone at the club has to understand that we are developing both the side and the culture of the side. When we run into teams like Doveton it’s all about how we react and take them on.
“We had no forward pressure at all and the ball came out too easily all day. That isn’t acceptable against any side, but it’s worse against Doveton and they make you pay more than most if you allow them their freedom.”
Ben Tivendale was ROC’s best, along with Fletcher and ruckman Paul Phillips.
Doveton assistant coach Clint Wilson said the side was reorganised after Casset was cleared back from Western Australia on Friday and he was pleased with the commitment until the late-game injuries interfered.
“The first three quarters weren’t bad, but injuries in the last quarter held us back a bit,” he said.
“We handled the ball really cleanly and having Danny back in the goalsquare allowed us to use Jussy (Justin Hill) and Big Russell (Gabriel) up the ground as we needed. It just gives us more versatility.”
Casset and Hill finished with six goals apiece, while Ryan Hendy booted five.
However on the down side, youngster Shannon Henwood suffered an ankle injury that will be assessed this week and Gabriel received a knock to the knee, but is expected to be available after next weekend’s bye.
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