DENNINGTON has claimed outright flag favouritism and all but secured the Warrnambool and District league minor premiership after completing a season double against Merrivale.
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An early burst of goals from spearhead Chris Keilar paved the way for the Dogs to triumph 9.9 (63) to 8.7 (55) at Dennington Recreation Reserve.
But questions remain about their ability to finish off matches. They led by 45 points at three-quarter-time but were just eight points to the good when the siren sounded.
The showdown could remain a talking point in days to come, with Tigers full-back Matt Gleeson placed on report for an incident involving Dogs forward Sam Curtis.
Curtis left the field with blood flowing from his mouth and was substituted out 15 minutes into the first term. The Dogs believe they have footage of the incident.
Keilar capitalised on the resultant free kick with a booming 55-metre goal – his fourth during a sublime start – to put the Dogs 24 points up. His fifth, 12 minutes into the second term, left the scoreboard reading: Dennington 5.6, Merrivale 2.3.
The match became more contested thereafter, the effect of a soft ground and heavy ball. The hosts added three goals after half-time to hit the last break well on top.
But their chance to inflict a psychological blow on their cross-town rivals went begging. The Tigers slammed on six goals to none in the final term to also emerge with positives.
Two battles have gone the Dogs’ way but the war is far from over.
Dennington assistant coach Leigh Evans admitted second-half lapses had been a recurring issue for his side. “Once we work that out we’ll be more consistent over four quarters,” he said.
Evans was otherwise rapt with the Dogs’ performance. The onballer figured among their best, along with ruckman Justin Wallace, Keilar, Brandon Everard and defensive pair Jono Nevill and Brenton O’Rourke.
“We set ourselves up for sure. The intensity and the tackling was the best it’s been all year,” he said.
“The boys were ready before the game, the feeling in the rooms was great, everyone was ready for the challenge and as far as I’m concerned everyone stood up and did their part.
The win, however, did come at a cost. As well as Curtis’ early substitution, coach Darcy Lewis finished in the hands of trainers following a goal-square collision seconds before the siren.
