By Jonty Ralphsmith
Doveton has gone down to East Malvern in an excellent tune up for finals in the Southern Football Netball League Division 2 competition.
Matthew Jameson led a typically hardy Doves defence, with East Malvern key forward Isaac Morrsiby kept to just two goals in an 8.12 60 to 9.4 58 result.
Morrisby played on Luke Daidone who neutralised him in the air, reprising the role he held as a key defender several years ago.
“He did a terrific job – the goals Isaac kicked weren’t directly on him,” coach Matt Stapleton said.
“Obviously Isaac is a quality player but I thought Luke did a quality job on him.”
On a perfect day for footy at Robinson Reserve, Doveton’s A-Grade midfield led by Deakyn Smith and Jake Basa were unable to shake East Malvern, whose tightness stymied the ball movement which has propelled Doveton’s recent hot form.
The Doves kicked five of their goals in a strong second quarter where they looked like pulling away from East Malvern, but the visitors stayed within six points at the major break, before a second half arm wrestle ensued.
Stapleton praised Basa and Shannon Henwood, whose returns in recent weeks have added toughness to the side ahead of a finals campaign they’ll back themselves to do damage in.
“They’ve both played for quite a few weeks now and have played reserves footy to build up that fitness base,” Stapleton said.
“They give us experience – Jake was a premiership player in 2019 and Shannon’s record speaks for itself.
“We’re playing them a little bit differently to what we have i the past – given they’re only playing the back part of the season, it’s about finding continuity in their football.”
Despite the loss, it continues a trend of excellent defensive efforts from the Doves which will fill the club with confidence ahead of finals.
Just once in 2024 have they conceded more than nine goals – when they fielded a significantly weakened team against Murrumbeena early in the season.
While their style has long been built off a reliable defence, the synergy and ability to lockdown has gone to another level in 2024.
Matthew Jameson, Jake Ingaliso, swingman Sam Muirhead and Daidone are among the players with impeccable one-on-one records.
“The guys down there have played a fair bit of footy together but it’s really important we look at different ways we can get better,” Stapleton said.
“The test will be doing it in big games.
“All we ask of our guys down there is about defending and respecting the opposition – that’s our philosophy.
“it’s about finding the best matchup and players hone in on the specific matchups they’re given.
“The rest of the team have really helped and bought into the defence aspect.”
Ricky Johnson, Matt Parker and James Canty were the best for Doveton in a rare loss which confirms they’ll play in the qualifying final in the first week of the SFNL Division 2 finals.
Hampton Park, meanwhile, dodged a major bullet with a 10.9 69 to 9.14 68 victory over Keysborough.
It’s the second scrappy yet tense encounter between the two sides this season, with the Redbacks emerging victorious on both occasions.
Trailing by 18 points at halftime, a seven goal to four second half got the Spiders over the line.
In his 200th senior game, Jackson Philpin’s desperation and toughness shone through in a critical final quarter, while Jackson Dalton’s strong form continued, alongside the strong-bodied Jye King.
Endeavour Hills had a disappointing 7.15 57 to 16.11 107 loss against ladder leaders Murrumbeena.
The Lions pulled away in the second quarter before cruising to victory despite the best efforts of Shaun Richards and Luke Peters.
In Division 1, Cranbourne’s finals hopes remain alive as they made up critical percentage in a 19.17 131 to 11.7 73 victory over Bentleigh at Livingston Reserve.
Zak Roscoe’s purple patch continued with five goals, while Jarryd Barker and Bailey Buntine were each strong.
Winning by such a margin positions the Eagles strongly to make finals should they win their last two.
They would also need to make up five per cent and East Brighton and Port Melbourne to lose one on the run home but both play the undefeated Cheltenham.
