NAB League 2019: Nathan Heath gives Dandenong Stingrays a draw against Falcons
A kick after the siren from first-year player Nathan Heath lifted Dandenong Stingrays to a draw against Geelong Falcons at the QEO in Bendigo.
NAB League
Don't miss out on the headlines from NAB League. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It was a draw and the reaction of the players told the story of how the match had played out.
The Geelong Falcons were dejected. The Dandenong Stingrays were elated.
The Rays had trailed by 30 points at the last change in the Round 3 NAB League match at the QEO in Bendigo on Sunday, but they hustled home and grabbed a share of the points after Nathan Heath slotted a goal after the siren.
It tied the scores at 12. 11 (83).
Moments before the siren Ned Cahill marked strongly at half forward and quickly slipped a pass to Heath, a top-age player from Mornington promoted by legendary peninsula full forward Simon Goosey.
Settling from about 45m and on a 45 degree angle, the left-footer got just enough on the kick to get it over the goal line.
“I thought he was always going to kick it,’’ Stingrays coach Nick Cox said. “He’s a very good kick.’’
It was Heath’s second goal of the final quarter. Ruckman Sam De Koning also booted two and Luca Goonan one as the Rays, with a breeze, finished strongly.
The draw was the third consecutive close finish the Stingrays have played out to start their season: they won their first two matches by six points.
Cox was disappointed with their first three quarters against the Falcons but pleased his players persisted to knot the scores.
“Yeah, credit to our kids to come from that far back,’’ he said.
“That’s why the competition is exciting. With the way the game has opened up, there is a lot of space and teams can get momentum and a run-on.’’
Goosey introduced Heath to the Mornington senior team last year and pushed him up to Stingrays coaches and officials. He’s made an encouraging start to the Under 18 season.
“He’s evolving, getting better each week,’’ Cox noted.
Captain Hayden Young was outstanding again across half back, collecting 27 possessions; the crafty Cahill had 25 and was at the heart of the rally in the final term; Mitch Riordan set down an influence with his 19 disposals; and Cody Weightman continued his fine start to the year, gaining important clearances in the final quarter.
The Stingrays gave a debut to Bayleigh Welsh, who called in Cahill to take his important mark in the shadows of the siren.
Riordan and Jai Nanscawen, both 19-year-old players this year, have been invited to the Vic Country trials this weekend, as have Young, Cahill, De Koning, Weightman, “Biggie’’ Nyuon and Lachie Williams.
The Stingrays thought Jack Toner and Goonan went close to invitations.
Dandenong Stingrays 3.0, 7.4, 7.5, 12.11 (83)
Geelong Falcons 5.5, 6.6, 11.11, 12.11 (83)
Stingrays goals: C. Ellison 3, S. De Koning 2, L. Goonan 2, N. Heath 2, A. Bradtke, R. Orchard, C. Weightman
Best: H. Young, M. Riordan, C. Weightman, M. Gregory, E. Cahill, S. De Koning
Analysed: Every Bendigo Pioneers boy’s season
After Harley Reid in 2023, the Bendigo Pioneers have another crop of talented youngsters available to AFL clubs at this year’s draft. We analyse every player’s season.
‘Punch out of our weight range’: Rebels chasing history
Already writing their own history, the GWV Rebels are ready for the team’s first grand final in 27 years and already have support from former AFL stars.