Drama as Langy down Dromana in MPFNL Division 1 thriller

A smother, a scoring blunder and a one-point thriller made for another drama-filled day at Langwarrin, while Pines’ nail-biting win over Mt Eliza had a coach making a big statement. It’s all in the MPFNL Division 1 wrap.

Harry Tully with the ball for Langwarrin. He kicked the winning goal on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The online results had Dromana pipping Langwarrin by a point on Saturday.

Not so.

Langwarrin, in fact, won the game by a point, 82-81, to start the MPFNL Division 1 season 2-0.

While the scores were eventually corrected mid Sunday, Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard was marvelling at his side’s composure in another pressure-cooker finish at Lloyd Park.

Just last week, Langy roared back from 48 points down to edge Pines by three points with a goal on the siren.

On Saturday, Langwarrin led narrowly at each break but lost the lead with 90 seconds to go when Dromana defender Ryan Morrison got out the back and slotted a goal to put the Tigers five points up.

But in another grandstand finish, the Kangaroos won the clearance and surged forward where Frankston VFL spearhead Matt Johnson took a mark and flicked out a handball to Harry Tully, who ran into an open goal to bang through the go-ahead goal.

Nick Hammill takes a mark for Langwarrin. Picture: Valeriu Campan

More drama was to come.

With 30 seconds left, Langy’s Joel Bateman made a desperate smother on a Sam Geurts forward entry, and the siren went.

“It was an incredible finish,” Beard said after the 12.10 (82) to 12.9 (81) victory.

“At the same point last year we were 0-2, so to be 2-0 everyone’s up and about…it’s an enormous difference. We’ve still got a lot of work to do but it’s just a better feeling to win those close ones.’’

Johnson provided a strong target up forward, taking marks and booting two goals, while Frankston VFL big man Josh Smith played a vital role rucking against Dromana champion Billy Geurts.

“Josh Smith worked his arse off against Billy Geurts all day,’’ Beard said.

“He probably rucked nearly 90 percent of the game. Billy Geurts was still amazing but Josh probably just nullified him a little bit.’’

Mooroopna recruit Bryce Rutherford was named Langwarrin’s best player, while Harry Money was lively with three goals and Chad Mulvogue and Jaiden Jakubenko were influential.

For Dromana, Sam Fowler was sensational kicking five goals in his first appearance for the season.

“Sam Fowler, he’s a star,’’ Beard said. “We ran a tag on him but he’s so good, he had such a good game…the goals he got were just pure leg speed, he blew them away.’’

Langwarrin faces Edithvale-Aspendale on Good Friday.

Jarred Moore jumps into Josh Beard's arms after the Rd 1 win. Picture: Paul Churcher

Moore celebrates Langy's Rd 2 victory. Picture: Paul Churcher

JUMPING JARRED

The final siren again triggered jubilant scenes on the Langwarrin bench where co-coach “Jumping” Jarred Moore launched at Beard — just as he’d done seven days prior after Langy’s stunning come-from-nowhere win over Pines. And again, Langy’s star photographer Paul Churcher captured the moment.

CALL ME LEO

A late goal and a timely mark in the backline helped Pines to a gripping three-point win over Mt Eliza, 14.11 (95) to 13.14 (92), at Eric Bell Reserve.

Frankston VFL forward Lachie Sharp kicked a goal (his third of the game) to put the Pythons in front in the dyring moments after a seesawing tussle in the heat.

Pines defender Guy Hendry then took a great mark with seconds to go to thwart Mt Eliza’s last-gasp bid for victory, and he later dubbed himself “Leo’’ — eluding to Sydney Swan Leo Barry’s famous mark in the 2005 grand final.

Pines ruckman Russell Gabriel was also terrific in the final term, as was the hard-running Khyal Jacobson. It was Mt Eliza’s second loss to start its premiership defence.

Pines coach Paddy Swayn said the Pythons were playing “the best footy we’ve played since 2019’’.

“We’re playing a really good brand of footy,’’ he said. “I reckon the last two weeks we’ve looked like a finals team. So that’s good.’’

Lachie Sharp (middle) celebrates after kicking the goal to put Pines in front. Picture: Simon McEvoy

TERRIFIC TY

Tyrone Vickery fired off seven goals as Edithvale-Aspendale made it 21 wins in a row with a gritty victory over Sorrento, 14.8 (92) to 12.10 (82), at David Macfarlane Reserve. While Vickery was unstoppable, ex-AFL Crow Jordan Gallucci also ran rampant for the Eagles with three goals. Nick Carlon, Zack O’Neill and Toby Arms were also in the best for the 2-0 Edi-Asp, who host Langwarrin on Friday. Sorrento playing-coach James Hallahan kicked four goals for the Sharks and ex-Swan and Kangaroo Ryan Clarke turned in another impressive display.

BLAZING BLAKE

Blake Kuipers’ sizzling start to the season continued when he slotted eight goals as Rosebud put the whip to Mornington at Alexandra Park, winning 24.17 (160) to 8.9 (57). Kuipers is up to 13 goals already after kicking five in the Buds opening win. Stephen Cumming, Liam Tidd, Billy Hartung and Matthew Cumming were also among the best players for Rosebud, which has surged to top spot.

STONECATS GO 2-0

Casey Demons VFL player Lachlan Bryce was best-afield as Frankston YCW held off Red Hill, 9.8 (62) to 8.8 (56). Christian Tsiampas kicked three goals for the Stonecats who also counted CJ Small, Darcy Murr, Luke Paynter and Choul Kulang among their best. For Red Hill, Oliver Jackson booted four goals and Oscar Lewis and Frankston VFL player Darby Hipwell tried hard.