Colac and District: Alvie’s Dominic Dare falls one short of 100 goals

The race to become the first player to kick 100 goals is still on with Alvie’s Dominic Dare finishing one short of the mark this weekend.

Alvie full-forward Dominic Dare fell agonisingly short on Saturday of becoming the first player in the state to bring up a century of goals this season.

Dare went into the Colac and District league clash against fifth-placed Birregurra needing four goals to reach 100.

But despite Alvie winning by 14 points, Dare encountered a close checking opponent, Kyle Davis, in tough conditions to be left stranded on 99.

Alvie’s Dominic Dare battles with two Birregurra opponents Mitch Russell, left, and Kyle Davis. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Alvie plays ladder leader Colac Imperials on Saturday with Dare going into the match one short of the century along with Marong’s Brandyn Grenfell, who plays in the Loddon Valley league.

“It wasn’t an easy day for him,” Alvie coach Joe Dare said.

“They are a top three or four side and had a good player on Dom.

“It will happen at some stage, but it wasn’t to be at the weekend.

“We don’t see Dom’s milestone as a distraction, but it would be nice to get it out of the way and we can focus on our finals campaign.

“We’ve got bigger fish to fry.”

Alvie finished on top of the ladder last season, but didn’t make the grand final.

The club hopes to regain regular senior players Andrew Delorenzo, Ben Lynch and Matthew Kelly from injury in the run home to finals starting in a month.

Alvie’s Dominic Dare booted three goals against Birregurra.

Alvie hasn’t won a premiership since 2000.

Joe Dare is in his fifth season as Alvie coach, with Dominic one of three brothers playing in the team.

The others are Lincoln, who plays centre half-forward, and Levi, who added a Colac and District league best and fairest to his three Hampden league Maskell Medal wins last year.

Birregurra’s Jason Rowan applies a strong tackle on Alvie’s Andrich de la Cruz.

Alvie’s Alex Williamson is dragged to the ground by Birregurra’s Ben Macfarlane.

Alvie’s Levi Dare takes front position in the marking contest.

Alvie’s Patrick Seal attempts to barge through two Birregurra opponents Michael Mortimer and Mitch Russell.

Birregurra’s Joel Hayward wins the tap out over Alvie’s Lincoln Dare.

Alvie’s Micah Robb fires off a handball.

Alvie’s Micah Robb and Patrick Seal gang tackle Birregurra’s Mitch Russell.

Alvie’s Lincoln Dare is sandwiched between three Birregurra opponents Mitchell Jones, James Rowan and Joel Hayward.

Alvie’s Christopher Paatsch soars for a mark.

Alvie’s Alex Williamson leads Birregurra’s Liam Cunnington to the ball.

Birregurra’s Joel Hayward wins the hitout.

Alvie’s Sam Mahoney at the base of a big pack of players.

Alvie’s Daniel Allan has front position in a marking contest.

Birregurra’s Oliver Butler takes a strong mark in tough conditions.