VFL: New-look Dolphins make big splash, beat Sandringham

Frankston Dolphins coach Danny Ryan saw a special trait in his side’s stirring 26-point win over Sandringham on Sunday.

Will Fordham of Frankston kicks a goal during the round four VFL match against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Frankston overcame a scoreless opening quarter to beat Sandringham by 26 points in VFL Round 4 on Sunday.

It was the Dolphins first win of the season, delighting coach Danny Ryan.

“We didn’t win a game in pre season and we’d lost the first two, so for the players, the coaches and all the staff it’s a bit of validation after all the work they’ve been putting in since October with a new team effectively,” Ryan said.

Frankston co-captains Trent Mynott and Will Fordham led from the front in the 12.10 (82) to 8.8 (56) victory at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, kicking four and two goals respectively and having 53 disposals between them.

Mynott booted three of his goals in the second quarter as the Dolphins cranked into gear and got on a roll.

Matt Johnson of Frankston celebrates a goal. Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Casey Demons recruit Matt Johnson was also prominent, slotting four goals.

Young Ben Hempel made an impressive debut, the neat left-footer using the ball well off half back.

Ryley Stoddart was influential with 29 touches and Lachie Riley had 11 tackles to go with 27 possessions.

“All my leaders stood up,” Ryan said.

“I was really, really pleased and proud of them all and it couldn’t be exemplified more by Fordham and Mynott. They certainly earned their pay packets yesterday, they led from the front.

“(Kai) Owens and Stoddart supported and all the other leaders got involved.

“That was really pleasing and it shows the growth…it’s a new team and a different team to last year but, mate, in the long run they just might be more of a team if that makes sense.’’

Ryley Stoddart takes a kick. Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Sandringham had 17 inside fifties to Frankston’s three in the first term and Ryan praised his side’s backline for holding Sandringham to 2.3 in the term.

“They were under a lot of duress,’’ he said.

“To hold them to two goals was a great effort and then we were able to capitalise in the second and then play well enough to actually out score them in the third when we were into the wind.”

Ryan said the victory was one of Frankston’s best in recent years.

“Port Melbourne a couple of years ago at home…and Carlton last year was pretty big,” he said.

“Essendon in round two at Essendon last year was good and Willy at Willy last year was probably the one, that’s probably the big one.

“But Sandy at Sandy, beating old foes, stand alones, away always ranks it up there.

“Look it was a good win, there’s no doubt about it.”

James Rendell.

Trent Mynott and Jai Florent. Pics: Darrian Traynor

Ryan added: “We’re not a club that wins more than we lose — yet. So we’ll keep chipping away.”

The Dolphins sustained a couple of injuries in the win, with Austin Bradke hurting a knee in the second quarter and Taine Barlow tweaking a hamstring.

Frankston hosts Port Melbourne under lights on Anzac Day eve next Monday night.

“It’s a chance for us to square the ledger, we can be 2-2,” Ryan said.

“It’s a privilege to play…it’s special.

“And Port are another old foe and they’re like us, rebuilding a new team. We’re battling away in the VFL, the AFL reserves, so it will be good.”