By Jonty Ralphsmith
Hampton Park has held off Doveton in another classic between the two rivals at Robert Booth Reserve.
In the first match back in front of a true home crowd since 2022, the Redbacks were forced to hold off several late Doves’ thrusts, ultimately winning 8.14 62 to 9.7 61.
The hosts came out with a bang, dominating the first quarter but failing to put a sizeable buffer on the scoreboard, going into the first break ahead by just 17 points.
That period in particular proved that the Spiders are capable of playing a style of footy that stacks up, reliant on run and spread.
Doveton ruck Dylan Chapman feasted in the ruck contests but Hampton Park did well to apply pressure in the clinches and get first hands to the footy.
Given a sniff, Doveton came hard through the middle of the game, particularly late in the third quarter, when eight of the game’s 17 goals were scored in an otherwise contested affair.
Each time Doveton closed to within a goal, Hampton Park was able to respond, with the midfield setting the tone.
Newbie Bailey D’Monte’s three goals was the leader of a clinical and efficient display.
The ability to manage the game and grit out a win as the opponent threw a late punch and got some looks late in stoppage time to take the lead is a clear step forward for Hayden Stanton’s men.
“They’re the sort of games in the past we might not have won,” coach Stanton said.
“We were out on our feet, we had guys cramping all over the ground so it’s pretty taxing to play that way.”
“But if he had have been more composed and converted better, I felt like we were dominating them early.
“The way we set the game up was really pleasing.
“You hope those sort of games give some guys confidence.”
As well as D’Monte, small defender Connor Olsson, returning from injury, the industrious Trent Downe, and small forward Declan Brunell all contributed strongly.
Stanton also indicated significant planning went in to negating Chapman’s impact.
“He hits the ball forward to the outside a lot and we controlled that outside layer.
“We did that for the most part well but there was a period in the third quarter where they lifted and we were out on our feet but we did try and nullify him.
“He sits behind the ball quite actively and effectively but we tried to move the ball away from him.”
Redbacks president Craig Seers said it was huge for the club to have footy back on their home deck.
“It was great to get our supporters and netball back,” Seers said.
“Everyone has a spring in their step and more people are putting their hands up to volunteer and it will only get better.
“The rooms were full upstairs – it has been a long slog but finally getting in there was mostly a fantastic and successful day for us.”
Meanwhile, Dandenong Stingrays-listed Endeavour Hills forward Jacob Grant showed his marking and goal-kicking ability for the Falcons on Saturday, kicking six of their 12 goals.
Grant, who represented Vic Country last year, was named best-on-ground as the Falcons beat Skye 8.10 58 to 12.8 80 at the scene of their premiership win last year, Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.
In Division 1, St Paul’s McKinnon was too strong for Cranbourne, winning 15.12 102 to 8.11 59.
