Dennington's Brandon Everard had no shortage of support as he boots the Dogs forward, teammates Joshua Lock (middle) and Shane Graham making way. 120505AS20 Picture: AARON SAWALL
DENNINGTON had been searching for a breakthrough win to build momentum for the rest of the season and the side found it on Saturday, according to playing coach Darcy Lewis.
The Dog s notched their second win for the season on Saturday, easily accounting for South Rovers, 19.13 (127) to 12.10 (82) at the Walter Oval.
It was the Dogs' second win for the season after their nine-point win over Russells Creek last week. The Dogs controlled the entire game, leading at every change.
Lewis said it was the breakthrough win the club had been searching for.
"We obviously had a win the week before over Russells Creek, but it wasn't a good win.
"Saturday provided us with that breakthrough we needed to build momentum for the rest of the season," he said.
The Dogs came out firing, booting 5.4 in the first quarter compared to the Rovers' 3.2, giving them a 14-point lead at quarter-time. They continued to build on the score, adding a further 5.5 in the second while allowing the Lions to add only 2.1.
Rovers outscored Dennington in the third, 4.3 to 3.3, but it was too little to late and the margin was still 30 points at the last change.
The Lions came out trying to claw their way back, catching Dennington off guard and kicking three quick goals.
But the Dogs responded by adding a further six to their score.
Lewis said he was pleased with the way the Dogs handled Rovers' early run in the final quarter.
"(We) were able to stop their run and continued to build on the score, rather than just shut the game down and protect the lead we had.
"The boys fought right up until the final siren, which was great to see."
Levi Geebung and Jacob Greene were named in the Dogs' best and Lewis said both played an important role in the win. "Levi is one of those players who can just turn the game on his own and Jacob did a great job on Brad McCosh," he said.
"The backline was really solid as well.
"The whole team played well I told them after the game I was glad I wasn't choosing the best players because it was too hard.
"Everyone lifted their workload by about 20 per cent, it was pleasing to see." Lewis said.
The Dogs will be hoping to continue their winning momentum heading into this weekend's match with the ever-improving East Warrnambool at the Dennington Recreation Reserve.
jwoolley@standard.fairfax.com.au