The impressive return of 19-year-old key position prospect, Michael Hurley, was the highlight of a frustrating day for the Bendigo Bombers who are still to record their first win of the 2009 VFL season after going down to Frankston by 17-points this afternoon.
The game was played at Frankston Park and the final score was Frankston 16.12 (108) Bendigo 12.13 (85). Frankston had also been winless going into the game.
Disappointed coach, Adrian Hickmott, said Hurley - who was drafted by Essendon with pick No.5 in the 2008 NAB National Draft - was in the best few players on the ground after returning from a wrist injury.
""He put in at both ends of the ground today and was very good. His work ethic and his passion for the contest are very encouraging,"" he said.
Young Irishman Michael Quinn kicked three goals and continued to show improvement while Leroy Jetta was also one of the best for Bendigo.
""In the first first half Quinn was very lively and kicked three goals. He faded out of the contest a bit in the second half but he was good considering this was the first time he had played forward,"" Hickmott said.
""Jetta was good today. We tried something a little different and played him in the backline pretty well all game and his run and carry was exciting.
""Jay Neagle gave his all today and got a few goals. Myers actually kickecd one goal and six behinds and had about 26 touches so he got a fair bit of the ball.""
Hickmott said another good sign was that young ruckman, Tom Bellchambers, played his first game after sustaining a knee injury and won most of the hit-outs.
Bendigo Bombers
Goal Kickers: M. Quinn 3, J. Neagle 2, J. Redpath 2, D. Hulme, L. Jetta, D. Byrne, D. Myers, T. Slattery
Best Players: J. Flaherty, M. Hurley, L. Jetta, C. Thomson, D. Myers, M. Quinn
Frankston
Goal Kickers: A. Murray 5, C. Proctor 2, M. Lourey 2, K. Lombardozzi 2, J. Berry, S. Pollard, T. Conroy, M. Marigliani, R. Morris
Best Players: M. Hibberd, M. Marigliani, K. Lombardozzi, A. Murray, S. Pollard, J. Magner
