TAC Cup 2018: Calder Cannons denied upset victory by fast-finishing Dandenong Stingrays

A LAST-QUARTER blitz from TAC Cup ladder leader Dandenong Stingrays was enough to deny Calder Cannons an upset victory on Sunday.

A LAST-QUARTER blitz from TAC Cup ladder leader Dandenong Stingrays was enough to deny Calder Cannons an upset victory on Sunday.

The Cannons were within 10 points and sniffing a boilover when Daniel Hanna kicked truly at the 10-minute mark of the last term, but Dandenong lifted to secure its 12th win in 13 games.

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Ignited by Jake Frawley’s goal, the visitors slammed on five goals in 10 minutes to secure a 12.10 (82) to 6.6 (42) victory and leave Calder seventh after Round 13.

“We had opportunities too in the last quarter that we wasted going into the forward line,” Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte said.

“Then they kicked 2-3 goals in quick succession.

“Their talls, at that stage of the game, took over for five or so minutes and they finished the game off.”

Co-captain Mitch Podhajski showcased his draft qualities with one of his best games for the club, gathering 33 disposals, six marks, nine clearances and seven tackles in the loss.

After being overlooked in last year’s drafts, the 19-year-old has made a seamless transition into the midfield this year to press his claims.

“He’s having a fantastic year with both us and Coburg,” Kyte said.

“We can only hope that there’s a different ending to this year than what there was last year.”

Half-back flanker Lachie Sholl (27 possessions) and defenders Brodie Newman and Lucas Cavallaro (26 disposals) were other standouts in the 40-point defeat.

“I think we are really competitive with our best team in against the best sides,” Kyte said. “We will get (players) back coming into the last 2-3 games of the year, a wildcard game and then hopefully a final or two.”

Calder has a long road trip to Albury on Sunday to tackle Murray Bushrangers.

Meanwhile, midfielders Jack Bytel and Rhylee West, forward Curtis Taylor and Sholl have received invites to the AFL national draft combine in October.

West is eligible to be drafted as a father-son selection by the Western Bulldogs, while Bytel and Taylor are considered potential first-round picks.

“It just gives them another opportunity to put their best foot forward,” Kyte said.