SFNL: Frankston Dolphins start Division 3 season in a flash

Many thought the Frankston Dolphins could contend in Division 3 last year and Richard Mathers’ men are living up that claim with a slick start to 2023.

Southern league Division 4 footy grand final: Frankston Dolphins v Lyndhurst. Frankston coach Richard Mathers addressing players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston Dolphins coach Richard Mathers says his side’s fast start to the Southern league Division 3 season isn’t motivated by the heartbreak of last year’s grand final defeat.

The group that pulls on the Dolphins’ threads in 2023 is new and improved.

Mathers’ men won their fourth game on the hop on Saturday, defeating Carrum Patterson Lakes 11.5 (71) to 9.13 (67).

And while there is still a selection of players that felt the agony of losing the Division 4 grand final to Lyndhurst, Mathers squashed any suggestion that his side is driven by the defeat.

“To be honest, it’s not a major factor for us,” he says.

“When we played Lyndhurst in Round 1, we were going through it and we actually only have nine players that played in the grand final – there were 13 fresh faces.

“For those that were there, it’s still in the back of their minds, but we’re such a fresh, new group.

“Our side on the weekend had eight guys 20-years-old or younger, it’s a really youthful group, so while those guys that were there on the day remember the feeling, predominantly we are a new group with new goals and new expectations.”

Richard Mathers. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Although his Dolphins appear to have settled into the heights of Division 3 comfortably, Mathers is noticing the jump in quality.

“You have to be up every week, no matter who you are playing,” he says.

“We were fortunate enough last year to have the odd week there we were able to try a few things but this year, it’s all won at the coalface.

“From what we experienced last year, it’s essentially finals footy every week at the moment and you have to come in with that mindset.

“We are learning every week, we come up against different opposition each week that we didn’t play last year.”

Dolphins players after the 2022 grand final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Dolphins averaged 155 points per game last year and have continued that trend in 2023, largely due to the addition of former South Mornington forward Jordan Waite.

Waite kicked 43 goals for the Tigers last year, including a goal in all but one of his 14 matches, and has started solidly with 17 in three outings this year.

He missed the weekend due to a hamstring injury sustained during his 13-goal haul a fortnight ago but Mathers says his impact has had a profound effect on the Dolphins.

“Jordy Waite has been a big addition for us,” he says.

“He’s got a rare ability to be the strongest player in our team and the quickest across a short period, he is a nightmare match up and we’re looking forward to getting him back.”