Southern league: Doveton unleashes 10-goal third quarter to down Keysborough

Doveton proved its flag credentials with a 59-point demolition of Keysborough in the Southern league Division 2 qualifying final.

Doveton coach Michael Cardamone lays on the ground after being crunched in a marking contest. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Doveton proved its flag credentials with a 59-point demolition of Keysborough in Saturday’s Southern league Division 2 qualifying final.

Scores were tight at half-time at Mordialloc, but the Doves booted 10 goals to one in a barnstorming third quarter to take control of the match and lead by 66 points at the last change.

“The first half was a bit of an arm wrestle,’’ Doveton coach Michael Cardamone said.

“Both of us couldn’t take our opportunities in front of goal.

“I just said to my boys, ‘I feel like we are on top in a lot of areas of the game and our best footy is just around the corner’, and in that third quarter everything just clicked.’’

With the game sewn up, Doveton kicked two goals in the last quarter while Keysborough added three.

Cameron Williamson, Mitch Pierce, James Gascard and Cardamone each finished with two goals.

Jake Ingaliso was named best afield for Doveton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Defender Jake Ingaliso was named best afield for the Doves in their 14.13 (97) to 5.8 (38) win, reversing their five-point loss to the Burra in Round 11.

Ingaliso played on Keysborough key forward Tom Shaw and kept him goalless.

Former St Kilda AFL rookie Josiah Kyle ignited Doveton with his speed, class and footy smarts after starting the game on the bench.

His goal late in the second quarter was a cracker when he baulked, sold some candy and snapped from 35 out to give Doveton a seven-point lead at half-time.

“There’s not many people who’ve done a pre season with an AFL list and we’re lucky enough for Josiah to play with us,’’ Cardamone said.

“I’ve told him it’s about enjoying your footy…we haven’t put too much pressure on him.

“But guys like that they bring their own excitement and when there’s a big game and a big moment you know he’s going to get the job done.’’

Josiah Kyle played his best game for Doveton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Only three goals — in total — were scored in a dour first half.

But the trickle of goals became a torrent in the third term as Doveton exploded.

Williamson began the surge with a snap, cleverly shepherded through by Travis Woodfield.

Thirty seconds later Williamson slotted another goal.

Cardamone kicked the next after a free kick and the Doves were flying.

Things turned fiery when Cardamone was crunched as he attempted a mark. Dazed and bloodied, Cardamone had to be helped from the ground by trainers.

There was push and shove between both teams and once it settled own, Keysborough big man Chris Bryan was sent off along with Doveton’s Tyson Bellinger.

Doveton coach Michael Cardamone at the three quarter time huddle. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Shannon Henwood.

Doveton’s Ricky Johnson.

Cardamone, who was treated for a cut near his eye and then returned to the field, said “it’s all part of finals footy’’.

“A few bruises and cuts, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day,’’ he said.

“I was concentrating on keeping the boys calm because we had a job to do and we had all the momentum so I didn’t want to let that slip. That was the most important thing.

“To our boys credit we kept focus on the job at hand. I know everyone’s flying the flag and all that sort of stuff which is fantastic as a coach.’’

Doveton ruckman Dylan Chapman gave first use to his midfield, allowing Jake Basa and Harley Primrose to excel.

Doveton prime mover Shannon Henwood was rested in the final term; he sat on the bench icing his knee after hurting it with his first kick of the game.

Keysborough coach Chris Smith.

Keysborough coach Chris Smith was bitterly disappointed with his side’s third term, describing it as one of the club’s worst quarters in years.

Doveton secured a second semi-final date with competition frontrunner Chelsea Heights next Saturday, and Cardamone said his Doves were up to the challenge.

“It’s going to be another big test,’’ Cardamone said.

“They (Chelsea Heights) have been the best side all year so we’ll have our work cut out but we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“They’re on top for a reason, they’re well coached, they’re well drilled and we’re looking forward to battling them on Saturday. It’s going to be a ripper game.’’