Doveton makes a bold start in Southern Football Netball League

Under 19-eligible pair Brodie Howie and Kai Suparta slotted seven goals between them as Doveton kicked off in the SFNL with a thumping win over Hampton Park.

The Doves sing the song after thumping Hampton Park in Round 1.

Doveton could hardly have made a more impressive entry to the Southern league.

After the legendary Steve Henwood presented jumpers to nine players representing the club at senior level for the first time, the Doves went out and defeated Hampton Park by 78 points at Robinson Reserve on Saturday.

It gave new senior coach Michael Cardamone a winning start to his tenure.

His team took off with nine goals to none in the second quarter and went on to a 20.11 (131) to 8.5 (53) victory.

First-gamer Brodie Howie, still eligible for Under 19s, was best-afield and kicked four goals from half forward.

Kai Suparta, another Under 19, slotted three goals from a wing, new ruckman Dylan Chapman struck early and exciting form, and Jake Ingaliso, another recruit from Officer, was also in the best.

Cardamone, Chapman, Austin Deneys, Ingaliso, Ash Brown, Laiver Qerim, Trav Woodfield, Howie and Harley Burmeister were wearing the Doveton colours for the first time.

“It was a good first-up victory,’’ football manager and assistant coach Marty Stillman said.

“When you win by 78 points, it’s always a team performance. Everyone contributed.

“We were pleased with how we played after quarter time and we’re already looking forward to the challenge of Keysborough next week.’’

Keysy also made a dashing start to 2022, knocking over Caulfield Bears at Koornang Park, 10.6 (66) to 5.8 (38).

As with the Doves, some of the Burras’ recruits were to the fore, with half back Cooper Balic and onballer Nick Beer prominent, young Patrick Baldan showing out on a wing and a kicking a goal, and forward Tom Show slotting two. And Jack Cole made an excellent return.

Club great Geoff Humphreys, at home in the conditions, was best-afield.

Rising star Mitch Barry kept gun Caulfield forward Chris Smith goalless. But unfortunately he broke his foot in the last two minutes of the game.

“It looks like he’ll be out for six to eight weeks,’’ Keysborough coach Chris Smith said. “There wasn’t much in it. He went up for a spoil, came down and rolled his ankle. Disappointing for the kid. He’d done everything right.’’

Smith said he believed the Bears were a little underdone and no one should be writing them off one game into the season.

In other games:

* Highett made a strong return to Division 2, beating Heatherton 16.16 (112) to 6.5 (41), with recruits Luke (three goals) and Michael Barnhoorn showing the way and Mitch Hoare kicking four goals. Stalwarts Yianni Pasialis and Sam Jackson and newcomer Will Barron were the best three players on the ground. Heatherton selected Dingley premiership player Jack Clausen, a late and welcome signing for 2022.

* East Brighton picked up from 2021 by striding past Skye 14.11 (95) to 4.10 (34). Reigning best and fairest Blake Cochrane and veteran recruit David Campisano were stand-outs on a day when the match committee had a tough time whittling down the six players to go on the best-list.