31st May, 2025 – Lenny Roberts
After trailing by twenty-one points at three-quarter-time, a determined Dandenong side dug deep en route to a 9.9 (63) to 9.2 (56) win at Shepley Oval.
Once again, the Rays were at home, this time taking on the Tasmania Devils for round nine. They were looking to make it three wins on the bounce.
Noah Wisken was on debut for this match, donning the #27 guernsey.
The Devils came out hot early but it was Marcus Prasad who opened the scoring, getting on the end of a perfect tap from a forward fifty stoppage and finishing on the run.
Playing more through the midfield in this game, Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves was lively in the first term.
Riley Hilliard was also influential, providing some dash and defensive prowess in the back half.
Some slow build-up in the middle of the ground led to a mark right on fifty from Lochie Commons, who went back and flushed it.
The first two majors went to the Stingrays.
Tasmania would hit back in the fifteenth-minute but Henry Hayes responded by goaling soon after, with the assist from Hibbins-Hargreaves.
Standing tall in defence was Charlie Orchard who battled hard all-day.
It was the home side who led by eleven points after one quarter.
Cal Smith got busy in the second. Showcasing his elite midfield craft.
Dandenong looked to be in control of the game throughout the first term and a half, especially after Prasad goaled in the ninth minute to make it a three-goal buffer.
But the visitors completely flipped the script.
They booted a trio of majors in quick succession to level the scoreboard, and added another two in the last five minutes of the quarter.
The half-time siren came at the right time for the Rays, offering a much-needed reset as momentum swung firmly in the Devil’s favour.
4.2 (26) to 6.2 (38) was the scoreline at the main break.
It was more of the same to start the third.
The backline was under siege from the get-go.
As a result, Orchard was everywhere, racking up a ton of disposals in the defensive fifty. He finished with 18 disposals and six marks.
Eventually, the boys held firm and got the ball up the other end where Commons converted after receiving a free-kick near goal.
Relieving some pressure.
But, Tassie quickly responded with one of their own.
Adrian Cole continued his good start to the season. Locking down his opponent at all times.
Dandenong started to own some territory and possession but couldn’t fully capitalise on the scoreboard. Alternatively, the Devils were, converting another major.
Some ill-discipline play almost immediately after gifted them one more right on the three-quarter-time siren.
The lead had grown out to twenty-one-points with one term to play.
It was the perfect start in the last with Prasad lacing out Commons on the lead. He went back and converted for his third of the day.
With nothing to lose, Nick Cox’s boys continued to press.
Prasad got involved again by slotting a set shot to get within one straight kick. His third of the match.
Finding some space inside-fifty was Smith who kicked truly to level the scores.
And suddenly the play was all with the home side.
Gus Kennedy was prominent as part of the engine room. Being his usual tough-self.
A behind from Hibbins-Hargreaves to take the lead came before he took a great mark inside-fifty shortly after for a chance to make it a two-score game.
The talented youngster went back and drilled the set shot for the go-ahead goal. And displayed some great passion.
A hard-fought final quarter, piling on four unanswered goals to secure a stirring 9.9 (63) to 9.2 (56) win.
Smith led the way for touches with 24, Hilliard took a team-high eight marks, while Varlet and Prasad laid eight tackles apiece.
The boys now enjoy a well-earned bye before returning to action against the Oakleigh Chargers on the 14th of June at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston.
Dandenong Southern Stingrays 