Ex-AFL Crow blitzes as Edi-Asp eyes MPFNL finals

A former Adelaide Crow was best-on-ground as Edithvale-Aspendale took a giant leap towards finals in Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 1.

Jordan Gallucci takes a shot for goal against Langwarrin. (Photo by Paul Churcher)

It was the old, traditional “eight-point game’’.

And, on cue, Edithvale-Aspendale’s boom recruit Jordan Gallucci delivered his best game of the season, as the Eagles beat fellow finals contenders Langwarrin 9.10 (64) to 4.9 (33) in MPFNL Division 1 on Saturday.

The former 27-game Adelaide Crow had 20 touches, five inside fifties and kicked four goals in a best-on-ground display.

The win cemented third spot for Edi-Asp and puts it a step closer to a finals berth in its first season back in the top flight.

“It was his best game,’’ Edi-Asp coach Kris Pendlebury said of Gallucci, 27.

“Coming back from a knee injury, he’s had a couple (games) back now, and he’s really starting to find his feet at the level. He kicked four goals and just his class and polish was amazing.”

Edi-Asp captain Nick Carlon was another stand-out down back, marking everything that came his way.

Pendlebury threw down the gauntlet to ruckman Alex Browne before the game, challenging him to gain revenge on Langwarrin’s teenage ruckman Corey Slefendorfas, who had the better of Browne back in Round 5.

“I put it on him before the game because their young ruckman gave him a bit of a touch up when we played them last,” Pendlebury said.

“I thought he (Browne) was instrumental.”

Browne had 55 hit outs and eight tackles.

Toby Arms takes a mark for Edi-Asp. (Photo by Paul Churcher)

Springvale Districts recruit Toby Arms returned to the Edi-Asp side after missing two months of footy.

Pendlebury will return to on-field action this Saturday when the Eagles host ladder leaders Rosebud.

With eight wins and a draw, Edi-Asp has jumped six points clear of fourth-placed Langwarrin.

But Pendlebury said the Eagles still had work to do to secure a finals spot.

“To be honest I haven’t looked that far ahead,’’ he said.

“We’ve got a tough run home with Rosebud next week, Dromana, Pines, Sorrento...they’re all going to be fighting for their finals spots as well so it’s going to be a tough end to the year but the good things is we’re in control of our own destiny now, we’ve just got to keep winning and performing and we’ll give ourselves a good chance to make finals.”

ELLIOTT BEST FOR REDLEGS

Robbie Elliott, who played in a reserves premiership last season, slotted four goals to help Mt Eliza beat Dromana 14.12 (96) to 5.11 (41). Fraser Phillips, Justin Davies and Harry Langford were also instrumental as the reigning champions improved their record to 6-7, in fifth spot.

SHARKS WIN AGAIN

Sorrento’s finals charge continued when it beat Pines to bank its third successive victory, 10.12 (72) to 7.10 (52). Charlie Stokes, Nick Jamieson, Matthew Peric, Shannon Gladman and Chad Harris were best for the Sharks, who are in sixth spot.

BUDS BEAT HILLMEN

Liam Tidd and Fletcher Hustwaite were best as Rosebud overcame Red Hill 9.12 (66) to 6.4 (40). Nick Russo slotted three goals for the 11-2 Buds.

VFL MAN STARS FOR STONECATS

Footscray VFL player Cam Owen was Frankston YCW’s best-afield in its win over Mornington 13.16 (94) to 7.16 (58). Luca Goonan, Lachlan Bryce and Billy McCormack were also instrumental for the Stonecats.