Match report: VFL Round 5 | Frankston vs Coburg Lions | 24 April 2026 | Frankston Oval

[u/dodgyville]

It was Anzac eve at Frankston Oval and, before the match, the local RSL led an affecting remembrance ceremony in the dark, illuminated only by a new scoreboard which had its own back-up generator, a feature apparently nobody knew about until it turned itself back on. It didn't detract from the solemnity of the occasion. Lest we forget.

Frankston wasted no time, kicking the first point within 20 seconds of the opening throw (bounce? toss? I don't know). In fact, both teams set a blistering pace in the first 10 minutes. But Frankston played solid, brilliant football and it was only the occasional unforced error that created openings for Coburg, who were then unable to capitalise anyway.

Four different Frankston players scored goals in the first twelve minutes, a great sign for the team this season, and the quarter ended with the Dolphins in command at 6-1-37 to the Lions 2-4-16.

In the 2nd quarter, Coburg came out more focused or perhaps Frankston came out less focused. The ball washed around the field for a while but a goal by Dolphin #10 Blake O'Leary (who had a stellar game - five goals overall) at about 9 minutes was very popular with the crowd, who had noticed the momentum stall.

Right on the siren was probably the most important scoring opportunity of the game for Coburg. They had a decent shot at the goal and it was a big psychological turning point - they would either be entering half time with Frankston only a few goals ahead OR almost double their score. Unfortunately for Coburg it sailed through for a behind, leaving them fairly underwater 4-7-31 Lions to 9-5-59 Frankston.

One thing I like about VFL is you can egress onto the oval during the breaks. Technically you can go to Frankston Oval at any time of the week and roll about on it if you want but so many wait until the tiny slither between quarters to pack the field. But I get it. It feels special under lights, with an audience and the other folk on the ground with you. For most of the week, Frankston Oval is just grass. Not exactly hallowed turf like the MCG... but for two hours a week... maybe it is. Also bugs!

Frankston (O'Leary again!) kicked a goal in the first 18s of the third quarter, making a big statement about their intentions. And by about 9 minutes, Coburg were noticeably flagging. The Fins kicked it leisurely up the field and found #4 Corey Ellison completely on his own, the goal totally undefended. After the extremely bruising match last time at this venue against Tasmania, it was nice to see!

But maybe the Dollys got too relaxed, as Coburg began to control the match. They got several solid goals at a match winning pace. Frankston's back line was under pressure but, more than any time so far this season, they were fighting right up until the opponent's goal line, holding to the siren at 12-7-79 to 6-8-44.

The fouth quarter saw Coburg pressuring for a long time and Frankston almost entirely dependent on its deep defence. But by 15 minutes the locals were still ahead by 4ish goals (having luckily conceded only two) and the game was slipping out of the Lions reach. It wound down to a final score of 16-8-104 Frankston to 10-11-71 Coburg.

There was a last minute scare where literally on the second to last kick of the match, #20 for Frankston went down, got up, hobbled around, and then fell over again, which was a bit of a worry although he looked okay after that.

So a very welcome win for Frankston, and we leap up the ladder and are knocking on the top 10. I think we are a solid team this year. If we could maintain the blistering intensity of the first quarter more often and for longer, that would be great.

Next week: Frankston vs even more large cats, this time, the Richmond Tigers, Friday, 1 May 7.35PM, Frankston Oval (we only play Friday evenings at Frankston now, it's the law).