Champion Billy Geurts becomes a legend at MPFNL awards night

A brilliant player’s champion status was made complete at Monday’s Mornington Peninsula league awards night. See the full list of winners.

Simon McEvoy

3 min read

September 3, 2024 - 12:46PM

News Sport Network

MPFNL award winners, from left, Kurt Lopo, Billy Geurts, Michael Griechen and Kassidy Withers.

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His champion status is now complete.

Billy Geurts had won every major accolade (premierships, grand final best-on-ground medal, team of the year etc) in the Mornington Peninsula league, except a Division 1 league medal.

That changed on Monday night when the Dromana ruckman polled 25 votes to tie with Red Hill midfielder Michael Griechen in the EV Shade Medal.

“It’s awesome to be acknowledged like this, it’s a great honour, and to share it with a player like Grish is awesome,” Geurts said.

Geurts had perhaps his most dominant season, topping the league in contested possessions, ranking points, ruck gathers, handballs and clearances.

In one match, he had 55 disposals.

Billy Geurts of the Tigers poses with his premiership and best on ground medals following the 2023 MPFNL Division 1 grand final. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Red Hill coach Jamie Mollo, who was named coach of the season, said Dromana’s success

was a “by-product’’ of Geurts’ high standards.

“He’s one hell of a player and he’s one hell of a young fella,’’ Mollo said.

“He’s actually a great example to their young guys coming through because the work they do when they’re not training is, I understand, led by him and a few others.’’

Griechen had a wonderful season for the Hillmen after crossing from Eastern league club Norwood this season.

Michael Griechen with the ball for Red Hill.

The hard-working midfielder was named in Red Hill’s best on 14 occasions in 19 games and was a major factor in the Hillmen making the Division 1 finals for the first time in their history.

Griechen said the biggest difference between the EFNL and the MPFNL was “the physicality’’.

“Every team has a really good bunch of players and it’s super physical, from the first bounce to the last you know you’re going to be in for a battle,’’ he said.

“I’ve been pulling up pretty worse for ware most games.’’

Mollo said Griechen’s influence on Red Hill was profound this year.

“It’s the energy, he brings such energy to the group and him and Ollie Jackson they just bring this level of enthusiasm and energy to want to get to every contest and we haven’t had a lot of players like that. It’s been really good for the young group,’’ he said.

Frankston YCW full-forward Riley D’Arcy, who won the league goal-kicking with 63 majors, finished third behind Geurts and Griechen in the medal count.

Joel Hillis.

Kurt Lopo.

Meanwhile, there was also a tie in the Division 2 league medal, between Joel Hillis (Devon Meadows) and Kurt Lopo (Edithvale-Aspendale).

They polled 27 votes to edge out Somerville co-captain Mason de Wit in third spot.

Hillis, who led the league in contested possessions and also kicked 51 goals (the third most in the league), said: “I’m very proud of myself and the year I’ve had…very honoured. I thank my teammates for making footy so enjoyable.’’

The dynamic Lopo has been a driving force behind Edi-Asp’s stunning journey to Saturday’s grand final. “It definitely helps with the team...when we’re winning it makes it a lot easier,’’ Lopo said.

Medal winners:

Division 1:

EV Shade Medal: Billy Geurts (Dromana) and Michael Griechen (Red Hill)

Coaches MVP: Chad Mulvogue (Langwarrin)

Reserves: Ben Fishger (Rosebud)

Under 19s: Kai Cleary (Langwarrin)

Women’s: Anna McGlade (Mornington)

Netball: Kassidy Withers (Mt Eliza)

B GRADE: NYAGUAY MUON and LAUREN SCHULTZ

C GRADE: MAREE SARGENT-RATA

D GRADE: KENNEDY BOUNDY and KARLI CLEARY

17 & UNDER: ASH HOLZER