NAB League: Dandenong Stingrays on top after bringing down Jets

There were no grand predictions made about the 2019 Dandenong Stingrays but they have yet to be defeated after six matches.

JUST as they did for much of last year on their way to a breakthrough premiership, the Dandenong Stingrays are enjoying the view from the top of the ladder.

The major difference is that before the start of the season few were making any grand predictions about the 2019 Rays.

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Both coach Nick Cox and talent ID manager Darren Flanigan noted the lack of NAB League experience in the squad.

But after six rounds Stingrays are yet to taste defeat, achieving five wins and a draw.

On Saturday they brought down the Western Jets 16.13 (109) to 6.10 (46) at Point Gellibrand in Williamstown.

And again little Ned Cahill took a starring role, kicking four goals and having 20 possessions.

He was named second best, behind Reece Orchard, who started on the wing and went to the midfield when Jack Toner went off with a slight groin strain.

Stingray Kobi George takes a kick.

Over-age pair Matt Riordan and Bailey Schmidt were strong contributors, Schmidt in the ruck and against strong opposition, and Riordan on the ball.

Riordan will complete an AFL-supervised medical ahead of the mid-season draft and is considered a good chance to be taken.

He had 25 possessions against the Jets.

Captain Hayden Young had 26 from half back and was particularly prominent in the important early exchanges.

“We’re really pleased with the progression of the group and of individual players developing a little bit each week,’’ Cox said this morning.

“We are surprised. But what we’ve realised is that we have some really competitive kids who are coachable and are showing off their weapons or their X-factor every week and it’s helped produced some wins, which is great for us, a bonus.

“We’re sharing the load. We could have put 10, 15 players on the list (of best players). We’re consistent all over the board.’’

Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox moves the magnets.

Cox said the 178cm Cahill slotted 4.2, sprayed two out on the full and had two kicks smothered, “so he could finished with a big bag’’.

The Stingrays had a first-gamer in Josh Mounter, but he may not remember much about his debut.

The Beaconsfield lad took a heavy knock late in the last quarter and spent the night in hospital.

“Unfortunate for Josh but at least he got a taste for the competition,’’ Cox said.

The Stingrays must be prepared to play anywhere and at any time: two weeks after a game in Brisbane, they tackle Tasmania at Blundstone Arena at 3.30pm this Saturday.