DANDENONG Stingrays picked up their third win on the bounce, defeating GWV Rebels by 40 points at Shepley Oval on Saturday. Boasting a host of Vic Country representatives, the home side withstood a gallant third-term fightback by the Rebels to salute 17.11 (113) to 11.7 (73). The result propels Dandenong into third place, while GWV sits in 11th. We took note of the top performers from either side.

DANDENONG STINGRAYS 6.3 | 12.5 | 13.9 | 17.11 (113)
GWV REBELS 3.1 | 5.2 | 9.5 | 11.7 (73)

GOALS:
Dandenong Stingrays: J. Bedson 3, C. Stuart 3, M. Toner 3, N. Wisken 2, B. Carroll, J. Emerson, G. Kennedy, A. Murphy, C. Styles, J. Vaughan
GWV Rebels: T. Hellessey 4, L. Petrie 2, R. Downer, D. Ewing, H. Rock, S. Te Moananui, H. Welsh

BEST:
Dandenong Stingrays: B. Carroll, C. Stuart, M. Toner, G. Kennedy, N. Wisken
GWV Rebels: L. Ellerton, L. Petrie, T. Hellessey, H. Welsh, J. Stevens

DANDENONG STINGRAYS:

#3 Gus Kennedy
Defender | 185cm | 21/02/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 rebound 50s, 1 goal

Entered the game startlingly by securing the Stingrays’ second goal on the run within the second minute of the game after streaming forward from the half-back line. Kennedy played his usual role and impacted the contest through interceptions and precise kick-outs. He was often his side’s last line of defence and was instrumental in preventing scores. 

#6 Mitch Toner
Forward | 186cm | 06/10/2008

Stats: 17 disposals, 3 marks, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals

Toner was a clear standout and could have been even more impactful. The powerfully built forward peppered the goals and ended up having eight shots on goal for the game. He routinely sped out ahead of defenders and gathered the ball on the lead, then distributed to nearby teammates or swung around for a shot of his own. He was also strong overhead, which allowed him to secure straightforward set shots on goal that he capitalised on. 

#11 Jackson Phillips
Forward/Midfielder | 182cm | 30/01/2008

Stats: 9 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 marks

The highly touted prospect was typically exhilarating on-ball, where he powered through stoppages and speared short passes to advancing teammates. Phillips was stationed forward for the entire second half and denied as many opportunities to get his hands on the ball, mostly through blanketing defensive efforts against him by larger defenders. He was particularly well held by bottom-ager Jimmy Stevens. 

#22 Clancy Stuart
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 17/03/2008

Stats: 29 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 clearances, 3 goals

Stuart was a constant physical presence at the coalface and was impressively sharp at ground level, prising a game-high nine clearances. The Rebels struggled to bring him down. He used his bulk to push off opponents rather than outrunning them. He also went forward and was formidable one-on-one, finishing with three goals. 

#36 Ben Carroll
Midfielder/Forward | 181cm | 28/04/2008

Stats: 33 disposals, 11 inside 50s, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 1 goal

Carroll followed up his season-best performance with another dominant display. The in-form midfielder made plenty of ground by consistently taking off as soon as the ball entered his grasp. He spent time at half-forward and was unselfish inside 50 as well as damaging by foot. His one goal was kicked from the edge of the centre square on the run, in what was potentially the highlight of the game. 

GWV REBELS: 

#6 Harrison Welsh
Midfielder | 179cm | 23/08/2009

Stats: 18 disposals, 8 tackles, 6 clearances, 1 goal

The tough midfielder didn’t shy away from physical contact and finished the up as one of the most prolific contested ball winners for the game. He scrapped for every possession regardless of the size disparity between him and his immediate adversary. As a reward for his effort, Welsh goaled from on the forward arc from a set shot at the end of the third term. 

#8 Toby Hellessey
Key Forward | 194cm | 01/02/2009

Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 4 goals, 1 tackle

The young key position utility had some nice one-on-one wins deep inside 50, which he secured in a variety of ways. He took strong contested marks in front of defenders as well as clever grabs behind them, demonstrating the crucial ability to read the ball in the air. More often than not, Hellessey finished off his work and proved an adept checkside snapper from set shots. 

#11 Leo Ellerton
Utility | 182cm | 08/08/2008

Stats: 25 disposals, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s

The versatile Rebel largely played in the midfield, where his outstanding work rate and speed kept him in the contest. Ellerton leaned on his agility and speed to avoid Stingray’s physical pressure and still remained composed with ball-in-hand. He was a helpful presence behind the play, sweeping up loose ball and collecting plenty of possessions in the defensive 50. 

#17 Jake Connolly
Midfielder | 180cm | 18/07/2008

Stats: 18 disposals, 9 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Connolly’s no-nonsense approach was welcomed at stoppages where the Stingrays had the upper hand. He played with necessary intensity and urgency, considering the scoreline was always against his side. His furious attack on opponents was notable as he ended up with the equal-most tackles on the ground. 

#21 Lachie Petrie
Small Forward | 179cm | 24/06/2009

Stats: 17 disposals, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s, 2 goals

After a troubling opening couple of minutes for the Rebels, the zippy bottom-ager answered back with a tidy finish in the forward pocket. He then followed it up with another to close out the quarter. Petrie worked up and down the wings ably and was able to sneak his way through traffic via considerable leg speed.