SHARKS WARY

Dodges Ferry not complacent despite rivals’ struggles

DODGES Ferry might have dominated its rivalry with Sorell in recent SFL seasons but coach Brent Dolliver refuses to take a young Eagles outfit lightly.

The lists could not be at more opposite ends of the spectrum — the Sharks are firmly in the premiership window while the Eagles are rebuilding.

And despite differing results in the opening round, Dolliver is not looking too far ahead of their clash at Pembroke Park.

“I played at Sorell back in 2001, so the rivalry is still there, a lot of these players have either played together or worked together or are in the same social groups,” he said. “It adds a bit of spice to the comp.

“Games are always close between Dodges and Sorell, it doesn’t matter who is on top or bottom.

“They have a good list as well, obviously they have lost a few players but they certainly have some quality.”

Dodges, who finished as minor premier last year only to be bounced out in straight sets, opened its campaign with a 90-point hiding of Claremont.

Sorell suffered a sevengoal loss to Brighton, the Robins’ first victory since 2017 and after the club was forced into recess last year.

“I probably would’ve preferred to play Lindisfarne Round 1 instead of Brighton, they were going to be up and about, we knew that, and rightly so,” Sorell coach Michael McGregor said.

“If you have a closer look we had our opportunities in the first half . . . we will be a lot better for the hitout.

“It [the rivalry with Dodges] is pretty fierce, unfortunately for us we haven’t been able to impact on that in the last few years.”

“Every time we play it is a chance for us to try and get one, they have had the wood over us for quite some time.”

Elsewhere, Thor Boscott makes his Cygnet debut as the Port heads to Anzac Park to take on Lindisfarne, while Hobart is looking to back up its shock win over the Two Blues against Claremont.

Huonville hosts Brighton in the remaining match.