LAST time they met in Round 2, Dandenong Stingrays ran home 50-point victors over Gippsland Power, but a pristine afternoon at Whitten Oval proved the perfect conditions for the latter’s second Talent League Premiership, with the Power running out 35-point victors. 

It took until the 10th minute of the game for the first goal to be kicked through Hawthorn NGA prospect Keenan Boi. Gippsland’s tall timber effectively repelled Dandenong’s offensive attacks until Kaie Sullivan answered later in the quarter via a timely forward 50 turnover which somewhat opened the floodgates for the Stingrays, who led for most of the first half by a small margin. 

Diminutive Gippsland forward Levi Macumber opened up the second half with a swift goal in general play before bullocking prospect Mitch Toner responded with a strong contested clunk deep inside 50. The Stingrays powerhouse was crucial in his side’s first-half ascendance with 14 disposals and two goals. Aside from his direct scoreboard impact, he was routinely involved in forward 50 opportunities and gave his smaller forwards plenty of physical protection. 

Highly-rated hybrid forward Wil Malady ignited his side in the third term, scoring a hat-trick of goals in a row to provide his side with a two-goal lead midway through the penultimate quarter. 

Malady battled it out with fellow key position prospect Darcy Szerszyn, with the Power forward undeniably coming out on top and occasionally towering over him for eye-catching contested marks (10 disposals, five goals). 

Gippsland co-captain Cody Templeton was adjudged player of the match. The dynamic midfielder-forward kept his side in touch with two timely goals in the first half and a pair of opportunistic majors in the third quarter to stamp his influence on the contest. A late quarter snap iced the game, and with it, made him the obvious choice for the award.

Elsewhere for Gippsland, on-baller Judd Burgiel was typically busy for his side through the centre of the ground, tallying up 29 disposals. His centre stoppage work was invaluable and a key reason why the Power broke away in the second half. 

Versatile bottom-ager Charlie Fischer was stout in defence, scooping up loose ball and quelling Dandenong’s medium and small forwards. Xavier Ladbrook was the standout key back on the ground. The lanky defender made use of his length to spoil opposition forwards and out-reach opposition for intercepts. 

For the Stingrays, captain Gus Kennedy led the way for his side in the first half. The swashbuckling half-back demonstrated desperate efforts in defensive 50 while gaining plenty of meterage by foot. He was thrown onto the ball at the start of the final quarter in an attempt to turn the tide; such was his impact on the game early. 

Ben Carroll was another of Dandenong’s most influential players (26 disposals, one goal). The lively midfielder utilised his explosive speed to burst forward and pepper the goals at times. Marcus Prasad (21 disposals, one goal) and Jackson Phillips were also solid contributors throughout the four quarters.  

It was Gippsland’s first Talent League Premiership since 2005, which was fittingly also against Dandenong. On that day, Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas was awarded man of the match, and like him, several of the Power’s stars will be looking to mimic his success in the National Draft later this year. 

GIPPSLAND POWER 2.2 | 4.6 | 11.8 | 16.10 (106)
DANDENONG STINGRAYS 3.2 | 5.7 | 8.7 | 10.11 (71)

GOALS:
Gippsland Power: W. Malady 5, C. Templeton 5, K. Boi 2, L. Macumber 2, C. Dent, A. Finsterer
Dandenong Stingrays: A. Sousa 2, K. Sullivan 2, M. Toner 2, B. Carroll, D. Linden, F. Marsh, M. Prasad

RMC BEST:
Gippsland Power: C. Templeton, J. Burgiel, W. Malady, X. Ladbrook, K. Boi, O. Henwood
Dandenong Stingrays: B. Carroll, G. Kennedy, A. Sousa, M. Prasad, J. Phillips,  M. Toner