Calder Cannons claim comeback win over Dandenong Stingrays
Daniel Mott proved his AFL talent with a standout performance in Calder Cannons’ comeback elimination final win over Dandenong Stingrays, while Sam Ramsay was equally as impressive.
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A dominant second half propelled Calder Cannons to a 36-point win over Dandenong Stingrays on Sunday and into the NAB League semi-finals.
Down by 21 points midway through the second quarter, the Cannons stormed home after half-time to set up a date with Sandringham Dragons this weekend.
The 57-point turnaround at Princes Park was inspired by standout performances from Daniel Mott and Sam Ramsay.
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Ramsay racked up 33 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal while Mott finished with 32 touches, four tackles and two goals.
Cannons talent manager Tom Lonergan said the pair were crucial early and praised his team’s defence, which limited the Stingrays to just 1.3 after half-time.
“Those guys were the ones in the first half, when we were lacking some class around the ground, who had a real impact,” Lonergan said.
“People say the back six are a team within a team and our back six or seven are no different. Especially in the big moments, they’re the ones that have stood up and kept us in games, led by captain Brodie Newman, Cody Brand, Giacomo Thomas, Ben Overman, Curtis Brown — I could go on.”
Ned Gentile collected 19 disposals and eight marks, while key forward Harry Jones showed his forward pressure ability with a team-high seven tackles.
Late goals to Jack Keeping and Josh Eyre in the second quarter kept the Cannons in the match as Dandenong threatened to run away.
The Cannons then finished the match with eight unanswered goals to prevail, 11.9 (75) to 5.9 (39).
“They were the better side in the first half and the scoreboard probably didn’t reflect the game,” Lonergan said.
“We were able to kick two late goals in the second quarter and got the margin back to eight points at half-time.
“From then on, our fitness levels and work around the ball was really impressive and we got an even contribution from the whole team, which was really pleasing.
Calder will return to Princes Park to take on Sandringham after it fell to Eastern Ranges by 14 points in the qualifying final on Saturday.
Lonergan was confident his team’s improvement across the season would stand it in good stead.
“It’s another big challenge for us, they’ve been a fantastic team all year,” he said.
“We think our improvement and ability to win contests is going to hold us in good stead and we take great belief we’ve won over the past few weeks.”
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