Confidence proves key to Frankston Bombers’ success in Nepean league

A STRONG belief in their own ability is driving the Frankston Bombers this season, according to coach Beau Muston.

Frankston Bomber Sam Fox tackles Rye player Harry Whitty, who is determined to keep his nose over the ball. Picture: Chris Eastman.

A STRONG belief in their own ability is driving the Frankston Bombers this season, according to coach Beau Muston.

The Bombers, with five wins in seven games, have been the big improvers in Nepean league, climbing to second spot.

On Saturday, they made it three wins in a row, with a 75-point drubbing of Rye at Greg Beck Oval.

“We’re pretty happy to get to 5-2. I think we had five wins last year, so we are pretty pleased with our improvement,’’ Muston said.

The Bombers are eyeing a return to finals footy.

“I wouldn’t say we don’t fear anyone, but we have a lot of belief internally,’’ Muston said.

“Our game plan, our structures and our culture, when we play well consistently, we can definitely take it up to anyone. I don’t think there’s a side that we are really concerned about. But this competition is so even that if you are not on, you are going to get done.’’

On Saturday, the Frankston Bombers played in honour of Ben Hocking, who died recently.

The Hocking family is a much-loved part of the club.

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston, who played 13 games for Hawthorn. Picture: Chris Eastman

The Bombers rushed to a five-goal lead in the first term and took control, with Sam Fox (four goals) in sparkling form, along with Jarryd Amalfi, James Degenhardt and Michael Maiorino (four goals).

For Rye, which has lost three games in a row, Harry Whitty tried hard.

Sorrento improved its record to 4-2, with a 28-point win over Red Hill.

Strong forward Scott Lockwood slotted four goals.

Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said it was a tough battle.

“I thought it was a wonderful game of local footy,’’ Blackford said.

“The hardness of both sides, the way both sides just committed themselves to the contest was fantastic. But they made more of their opportunities and executed better.

“It’s a credit to them. They have a good blend of senior guys and juniors.’’

Frankston Bomber Dale Sutton is having an excellent season. Picture: Chris Eastman

For the second game in a row, Tyabb failed by only a kick, to snap its long winning drought, going down by five points to Devon Meadows.

The Yabbies’ last win was almost three years ago.

“We had an opportunity to go 13 points up, but didn’t take it. We missed a goal and then they went coast-to-coast,’’ Tyabb coach Mark Paganoni said.

“Look, we took it up to them. We played some really good, structured footy and stretched them.’’

Ladder-leader Hastings dispatched Dromana by 39 points, with Luke Hewitt starring and Dan Noble and Nathan Gray kicking three goals apiece.

Somerville proved too good for Crib Point, winning by 47 points as power forward Tom Shaw booted six goals.

Big Tom Baker made an eye-popping return from Casey Scorpions, kicking five goals, to help reigning premier Rosebud to a 43-point win over Pearcedale.

In Peninsula league, Frankston YCW stepped up its quest for a third successive flag in sensational style on Saturday, thumping second-placed Mt Eliza, on their home deck, by 94 points.

In a ruthless four-quarter performance, YCW cleared out for a 23.10 (154) to 8.6 (54) win, turning the top-of-the-ladder blockbuster into a drubbing.

Frankston Bombers playing-coach Beau Muston (right) takes a strong mark in front of Rye’s James Appleford. Picture: Chris Eastman

It left many believing the premiership race was a forgone conclusion - even at this early stage of the season.

“They were definitely hot, they were on. They came to play,’’ Mt Eliza coach Troy Shannon said. “It’s hard for any side at this level to play four quarters of footy, and they did. And that’s what happens when you do.’’

Frankston YCW (7-0) is two games clear on top.

The Stonecats’ potent forward line punched holes in Mt Eliza’s backline. David Bodley slammed through six goals, Anthony Bruhn five and livewire Paul Minchington four, while Kyle Hutchison was in vintage form and Ryley Hodson impressed.

And the scary thing for rival sides is that YCW could get even stronger, with top-notch players Bundy Barry, Ricky Morris and Jack Mazurek all to come back.

YCW coach Scott Mathers said his players wanted to assert their authority against the Redlegs. “The boys didn’t let up…they played right to the end,’’ he said. Asked if his side was that far ahead of the rest of the pack, Mathers said: “That’s for others to judge.’’

Shannon was left scratching his head about ways to stop the Stonecats from another flag.

“There’s going to be some work to do for whoever may be lucky enough to challenge them, that’s for sure. But every dog has their day,’’ he said.

Mornington coach Chris Holcombe says his team will need to improve sharply if it is to make finals for a fifth successive season.

The Bulldogs slipped to eighth spot after losing to Edi-Asp by eight points, 11.15 (81) to 10.13 (73), and Holcombe lamented their lack of poise at the end.

“The boys played really well but, as has been the case for the whole year basically, we just can’t get the job finished,’’ he said.

“In about four games – Seaford, Langy, Mt Eliza and then yesterday – we were up or level with about 15 or 20 minutes to go and didn’t close the deal.’’

Only seven members of Mornington’s 2015 grand final side played on Saturday. “That’s where we are falling down a bit, that experience to finish off games,’’ Holcombe said. “We should have a good run (from now on) but we need to improve if we want to play finals.’’

Karingal secured its second win of the season after edging Chelsea by two points. With debutants Matthew Burnett and Kyle Nunn, the Bulls held off a surging Chelsea to win 10.6 (66) to 9.10 (64). It capped a historic day for the Bulls, with all seven teams (football and netball) winning; the club’s first clean sweep.

Bonbeach made it three wins in a row when it saw off Langwarrin by 29 points in a low scoring contest, 6.8 (44) to 2.3 (15), at Lloyd Park. Jackson Sole, Jacob Flannery and Mathew Douglas starred for the Sharks.

Aaron Edwards and Guy Hendry fired off five goals apiece as Pines beat Seaford by 36 points to climb to third. Luke Potts, Corey Ash and Adam Maling were also key figures in the win. Matt Andrews kicked four goals for Seaford.