The future is bright: Dragons youngsters defeat Oakleigh in close finish

BY DYLAN BOLCH

Spectators at Trevor Barker Oval saw a glimpse of the Dragons next crop of future stars, as Sandringham ran out two-point victors against the Oakleigh Chargers on Sunday.

The first quarter was tight, with neither club able to break the opposition defence down enough to convert.

Isla Mottram was a standout in defence for the Dragons with some nice intercepts and a wonderful goal-saving chase down tackle.

The hard-working Amelia Luca led from the front, constantly outworking her opponents. Her power at the stoppage was eye-catching, as was her leadership amongst the younger Dragons.

Jess Thomas had the first opportunity for the Dragons for the game – she was well positioned outside the stoppage which allowed her to receive a quick-fire handball, narrowly missing a check side attempt at the big sticks.

The Dragons booted the first goal of the match early in the second quarter through Jenna Witts, taking a strong mark near the goal face following some nice work from the team up the field.

Tiger Doultree stamped her authority on the game, forcing a turnover which led to a scoring shot and she constantly repelled the Chargers forays forward.

The Chargers kicked their first of the match half-way through the second, tying the scores at 8-8.

Oakleigh extended their lead with a second goal for the term, going into the main break with a six-point lead.

The Dragons came out breathing fire in the second half, with Scout Howden booting the teams second goal for the match from a tight angle.

Daisy Flockart impressed in her first Dragons match, following in the footsteps of older brother Felix playing in the ruck, which included a big tackle late in the third term.

Carly Witts provided a physical presence in defence, with some big hits and composure in pressure situations.

Kera Galaminda was lively around goals, with a rogue bounce the only thing denying her of her first goal this season, whilst Emily Gough ruled the airways for the Dragons.

Trailing by eight points at the final change, the Dragons were unable to gain territory in the fourth quarter, with the defence constantly under siege.

Amelia Luca broke the deadlock in the thirteenth minute of the term, before Galaminda kicked her first goal in Dragons colours, with a well-executed set shot to put the girls in front.

Some fantastic defensive acts in the final five minutes held the Chargers at bay, as the young Dragons girls took out the win in their first Futures match of the year.

Sandringham Dragons 0.2 – 1.3 – 2.5 – 4.5

Oakleigh Chargers 0.2 – 2.3 – 3.7 – 3.9

Goal Kickers: Jenna Witts, Scout Howden, Amelia Luca, Kera Galaminda.

Best Players: Amelia Luca, Carly Witts, Tiger Doultree, Daisy Flockart, Annabelle Embleton.