Dolphins not panicking after back-to-back losses
Dolphins co-captain Max Bailey believes his side are building into form after they suffered their second loss of the season on Saturday night.
Redcliffe went into their Round 1 replay clash against the Norths Devils – delayed due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – primed for a comeback following last week’s defeat to the Townsville Blackhawks.
But, once again, costly errors proved to be the downfall of the Dolphins, who lost 26-6 at Bishop Park.
It was certainly not the result they wanted against the Devils, who beat them in last year’s grand final, but Bailey was confident that it is not panic stations yet for the Dolphins.
“It’s always tough coming here and losing,” Bailey said.
“Completions is where we went wrong. I thought we strung a bit of good footy together and threw some shape at it but we just couldn’t compete well enough.
“Give possession to a good team like Norths and they’re going to make you pay for it.
“When we drop the ball that much, it’s hard to compete.
“It’s not panic stations yet. It’s only two losses in a row. It’s definitely not where we want to be at the moment but we’re not panicking. We have to get back to training and get our combos going and get some confidence up on the training paddock.
“It’s only early in the season and quite a new team… we’re learning every game. Wins, losses, we need to take our lessons.”
The competition-leading Devils came out of the gates fast on Saturday afternoon, scoring through winger Manase Kaho in the 2nd minute.
On the back foot, the Dolphins struggled to take back momentum and, while they had their opportunities to score, their ill-discipline and the Devils’ defence proved too hard to overcome.
Redcliffe’s only points came in the second half, when a barnstorming James Walsh forced his way over the line.
Jacob Gagan, Kenny Bromwich, Jordan Lipp and Jackson Shereb meanwhile added to the scoreboard for the Devils.
There was also another hit for the Dolphins, when co-captain Kyle Schneider suffered a dislocated elbow early in the second half and had to be taken from the field.
The Dolphins will now turn their attention to the Sunshine Coast Falcons, who only have one win to their name so far for 2025.
Bailey – a former Falcon – said the Dolphins will not be taking the Sunshine Coast lightly and need to turn around their form to avoid a similar fate to the past two weeks.
“It’s always a big one with the Falcons,” he said.
“They’re in a bit of a rough spot at the moment as well. They’ve had a few losses so they’ll be very hungry.
“We have to be up for it next weekend. If we play like we did today, I don’t think it’s going going to be a fun day. We have to change some things and I know we’ll be ready to go.”
The Dolphins will play host to the Falcons at Kayo Stadium from 5pm on Saturday, April 26.
Redcliffe will then enjoy a week off before returning home for a repeat clash with the Devils.