VFL 2019: Nathan Freeman heads the list of recruits for Frankston Dolphins
New Frankston coach Danny Ryan is looking for the Dolphins to be more resilient and “stay in games longer’’ in the 2019 VFL season.
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There were only two wins but all told it was a pleasing return to VFL ranks for Frankston last year.
Sidelined in 2017 after running into much-publicised financial problems, the Dolphins entered their comeback season with much goodwill but few expectations they could match it with other teams.
NEW CASEY DEMON LIAM BUXTON TRACKING WELL
They were, remember, starting from scratch.
They had some good moments and some promising players emerged, chiefly forward Corey Rich.
But there were scoreless quarters and some blowout defeats.
New Frankston coach Danny Ryan is making no grand statements about his team this year, but he does want the Dolphins to be more resilient and stay in matches longer.
“That’s a big focus for us, being hard to play against for longer periods. Absolutely,’’ he was saying last Thursday.
“At times last year we really fell over. So we have to show more resilience in all three phases of the game — our contest work, the way we use the ball, the way we defend. Just try to be in games for longer, and if you’re in games you’re a chance to win them.
“But that said, I think last year was a good starting point for the next three, four, five years. Don’t forget we had 124 local players on the track for day one of training, no lines marked on the oval and three coaches. To be able to win a couple of games was quite remarkable. Time to build on those foundations now and be a bit more consistent.
“The wins and losses are more an outcome. I know it’s a cliche but we need to focus on what we do week in, week out, and hang in there so that some of those blowouts disappear and the close ones turn into wins. We’d be trying to get five or six (wins), well and truly, and hoping for 10 or 11. There’s no ceiling on what the group can do.’’
Last year Ryan was an assistant to Adam Skrobalak (now full-time at St Kilda), and the new coach has made adjustments to the way the side plays.
“The area I’ve probably most looked at is ball use, and hopefully that gives us more inside 50s and more score,’’ he said.
“Part of being harder to play against is how you use the ball.’’
If there are more inside 50s, the Dolphins should be able to capitalise.
Last season Ryan thought there was an “unhealthy reliance’’ on key forward Todd Elton. The former Tiger has left the club but Frankston has recruited former WA pair Jimmy Miller and Nathan Fahey, ex-Casey Demon and Dandenong Stingray Riley D’Arcy, and former Hawthorn international rookie Shem Tatupu.
“We’ve got a few more options now,’’ Ryan said. “Whether they all play together, we don’t know. We’ll see what that mix looks like. But we like to think there are some tall options there and we’ll be stronger in the air forward of the ball.’’
At the other end, former Sandringham Dragon Max Williams, from Beaumaris, and Sean Fisher (ex-Sandringham and Collingwood VFL) will join Mitch McCarthy in a recast backline.
Former Collingwood and St Kilda wingman Nathan Freeman, ex-Sydney rookie Angus Styles, Casey Demons contingent Goy Lok, Dylan Gordon, Liam Hiscock and Ali Zijai, former Sandringham half forward Beau Bailey, and TAC Cup talents Lachie McDonnell (Dandenong Stingrays), James Rendell (Sandringham Dragons) and Harry Houlahan (Dragons) are among the newcomers.
The Dolphins have also been strengthened by the return of their 2016 best and fairest Josh Newman.
He brings a splash of class and a core of courage to the side, as does Freeman, who was cruelled by injuries at AFL level but has put in a strong pre-season.
“It’s a different list to last year, a bit taller across the board, ’’ Ryan said.
“Some guys have significant VFL experience but there’s a mix of young guys who are hungry because they’ve had limited opportunities at other clubs.
“What we have done is improved the (age) demographic. Last year we were around 18 and a half to 19. This year we’re probably around 21, 22.’’
It’s the most senior role Ryan has held in his long coaching career, and he said it had been fulfilling but demanding.
“Have loved every minute of it. It’s a 24-7 gig. The phone rings, your brain ticks. The wife asks you what you’re doing and no doubt you’re doing footy,’’ he said.
“But that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s not without its challenges. But as a club that’s what we’re about.’’
The Dolphins open the VFL season against Essendon at SkyBus Stadium on Sunday, April 7.
Memberships will be available (and can be purchased at frankstonfc.com.au).
DANNY RYAN ON
Nathan Freeman: “Obviously brings an AFL pedigree and has an elite way of preparing and training. He’s really contributing in the coaching room too. His body is fine. Full minutes in the practice match against North Melbourne. He’s healthy and ready to rock and roll.’’
Josh Newman: “Has had a real presence in terms of his ability to be a leader. Has that balance between being a hard-nosed crow but having a sense of enjoyment and fun about the game.’’
Shem Tatupu: “He’s fit. He’s dropped 14kg from last year and he’s a really powerful man. He spent the summer playing in Darwin and was significant in helping Waratahs get into the finals. Without saying anyone is, he’s almost a lock for Round 1. He’ll play as a deep forward. He’s a great bail-out option.’’
Jimmy Miller: “Went to the 2017 state combine in WA. There was interest in him. He joined the Navy and moved to Cerberus and that’s where he played footy last year. He’s got amazing potential and if he puts his nose to the grindstone he’s going to be very exciting. He’s almost 200cm, he’s 100kg, he’s got boats for shoes, he can run and he’s quite mobile.’’
Lachie McDonnell: “Incredibly smart player who makes the game go slow around him. Gets time and space, and is an elite kick. He can play wing, halfback, maybe even forward.’’
FRANKSTON’S 2019 LIST
1 Dylan Gordon (Casey Demons/Noble Park)
2 Josh Newman (Williamstown)
3 Corey Rich
4 Sean Fisher (Sandringham)
5 Will Fordham
6 Lachie Williams
7 Yilber “Bella’’ Zijai
8 Aloysio Ferreira
9 Nathan Freeman (St Kilda AFL)
10 Taylor Grace
11 Blake Mullane
12 Beau Bailey (Sandringham)
13 Gus Styles (Sydney Swans)
14 Liam Hiscock (Casey Demons/St Bedes Mentone Tigers)
15 Alfie Jarnestrom
16 Brenton Hillard
17 Alex Harnett
18 Shem Tatupu (St Kilda City)
19 Conor Larkin (Sandringham)
20 Nathan Scagliarini
21 Mitch Cox
22 Goy Lok (Casey Demons)
23 Sam Alabakis
24 Mitch McCarthy
25 Max Williams (Beaumaris)
26 Harrison Houlahan (Sandringham Dragons)
27 James Rendell (Sandringham Dragons)
28 Lachlan Gill-Renouf
29 Nathan Fahey (WAFL)
30 Jimmy Miller (Cerberus)
31 Robert Turnbull
32 Kody Wilson (Traralgon)
33 Jack McHale
34 Jackson McMahon (Traralgon)
35 Riley D’Arcy (Casey Demons)
36 Jack Woodman
37 Lachie McDonnell (Dandenong Stingrays/Noble Park)
38 Kim Drew (Warragul)
39 Sean Masterson
40 Jason Kingsbury (Frankston Bombers)
41 Ali Zijai (Casey Demons/Noble Park)
42 Ari sakeson (Box Hill Hawks)
43 Liam Myatt (Narre Warren)
46 Chris Diggle (Caulfield Grammarians)
47 Jarrod Richards (Rye)
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