Pot Shots: Impressive winning streak makes Tigers kings of The Jungle

POT SHOTS: Dromana has put together an imposing record at its home ground, “The Jungle’’. And Bonbeach is gearing up for a double celebration.

Dromana players celebrate their grand final victory over Red Hill last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

FIFTEEN — that’s what Dromana’s home game winning streak is up to.

Yep, the Tigers have been kings of “The Jungle”, which they call their Pier St ground, since 2017.

Since losing to Sorrento in round 14, 2017, Dromana has been unbeatable on home turf.

Last season the Tigers were nine-from-nine at home and this year they’ve won all four home appearances.

Not that coach Rikki Johnston wants to make much noise about the winning streak.

“It’s one of those things, we try not to emphasis it too much because we don’t want anyone to think we can only win at home,” he said.

“But we have put together a pretty handy record at home.”

Asked why Dromana plays so well at home, Johnston said:

“The dimensions of the ground suit us but it’s also the great support we get. We probably draw as good a crowd as any club on the peninsula and they are pretty vocal supporters. We definitely like playing at home.”

Bonbeach champ Shane McDonald in action in the 2013 grand final.

Macca in action last month. Picture: Andy Brownbill

MILESTONE matches don’t get much bigger than at Bonbeach next week.

The Sharks’ home game against Frankston YCW on June 15 will also be Shane McDonald’s 250th and Jackson Casey’s 200th.

Both players are held in high esteem at Bonbeach; McDonald is arguably the club’s greatest player and Casey is club captain.

The day will also be a Bonny past players day.

Jackson Casey plays for Bonbeach in 2010.

Casey gets tackled this season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hawthorn head of coaching and former Bonbeach coach Damian Carroll will return to Shark Park on Thursday night to talk about Macca, whom he coached early in his career.

And ex-Sharks coach Steve Capp will share his memories of Casey on the same night.

McDonald and Casey are also best mates and work colleagues.

DROMANA is sitting second on the ladder after eight games and it’s no fluke, according to Bonbeach coach Steve Hughes, who saw the Tigers close up last week (Dromana beat Bonbeach by 46 points).

“They’re a good footy side,” Hughes said.

“They’ve got most areas covered in terms of what it takes to be a good side. They’ve got speed, good leaders, good ball users, good midfield — yeah, I reckon they’ll be there at the pointy end.”

Dromana players get around Will Guerts. Picture: Chris Eastman

BIG Oscar Persson’s stint at Mt Eliza was short.

The ruckman played two senior games with the Redlegs before being cleared to Ormond in the VAFA.

Mt Eliza coach Nick Claringbold said for the “first time ever” the club has a plethora of big guys.

“We’ve got some really exciting big fellas in the under 19s and we need to give them some opportunities sooner than later to find out what they can be as senior footballers,” Claringbold said.

LET THE DUNKING BEGIN: GOOSE TO TAKE PLUNGE

DROMANA BEATS BONBEACH TO CLIMB TO SECOND

FRANKSTON YCW gun Kyle Hutchison has headed to Europe with some mates for a mid-season holiday.

Frankston YCW’s Kyle Hutchison.

He will miss four games.

“He’s assured me he will keep fit while he’s over there,” Stonecats coach Wayne Capp said with a hint of hope in his voice.

“Although, every post I’ve seen on Instagram he’s had a beer in his hand.”

TALK about a long time between drinks...

When Mornington and Dromana play each other next week (June 15), it will be their first meeting in 67 years.

Daniel Warwick batting for Baxter. Picture: Mark Dadswell

They last locked horns in Round 13 of the 1952 season, around the time Frank Sedgman won Wimbledon, Mornington winning its two meetings that season by 156 and 103 points.

Overall, Mornington leads the head-to-head count against Dromana 40-4, with one draw.

Thanks to superstar historian Simon Fiedler for the info.

TO cricket and Baxter has had a change of captain, with Daniel Warwick taking back the reins from Chris Brittain.