Frankston YCW eases into top spot and will take some catching as Peninsula league nears business end
WITH its star forward Aaron Edwards recovering from a knee reconstruction, Pines on Saturday surrendered top spot in Peninsula league.
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WITH its star forward Aaron Edwards laid up in hospital recovering from a knee reconstruction, Pines on Saturday surrendered top spot in Peninsula league with a 54-point loss to Frankston YCW at Eric Bell Reserve.
Edwards ruptured his ACL last round and underwent surgery on Friday.
“It’s all gone well and he’s talking about playing next year which is really good,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.
The loss of Edwards, who had kicked 54 goals this season, is a telling blow to Pines’ 2017 flag hopes, although Swayn said the Pythons had enough talent to cover him.
“It gives us the opportunity to work things through. It’s not like we’ve lost him in the first week of finals and you say, ‘gee, now we’ve got to change it up’,’’ he said.
“We’ve still got five games left to work out how to play without him. I’m not going to give that as an excuse, no way known, we’ve got enough talent there.’’
On Saturday, Pines could only manage two goals in the first half as Frankston YCW set up a convincing 14.11 (95) to 6.5 (41) win.
YCW’s 18-year-old full-forward Josh Butland slotted five goals, continuing his rise, while Kyle Hutchison, Lachie Wallace, Ryley Hodson and BJ Credlin turned in polished performances.
The Stonecats (11-2) have motored to top spot and will take some stopping as they chase a fourth successive flag.
Frankston YCW coach Wayne Capp said his side has done well to continue winning despite having six key players sidelined with injuries, including Paul Minchington, Jack Mazurak and Scott MacLeod.
“We want to get all those guys back and get a couple of games into them before finals,’’ Capp said.
“The young guys who have come into the team from our Under 19s and reserves have all done a great job, they’ve slotted in well. They’ve all stepped up and looked at home at this level of footy and it’s a testament to those guys and the depth of the club that we are able to do that.’’
Mornington small forward Broden Bird kicked seven goals in sizzling display to help the Bulldogs to an upset 44-point win over Seaford at Miles Reserve.
Three of Bird’s goals came in the last quarter as Mornington snuffed out any chance of a Tigers’ comeback, the Bulldogs winning 16.9 (105) to 8.13 (61) to improve their record to 4-8.
“We’ve been playing patchy all year but yesterday was probably the first time we’ve put four quarters together,’’ Mornington coach Chris Holcombe said.
After a tight first half, Mornington took control with a seven-goal-to-one third quarter, stunning Seaford. The experienced Warwick Miller was a tower of strength for Mornington in the backline, while Emilio Bitters, Joel Miller and Jai Haddock, who dusted himself off after several big hits, also played key roles.
“We’ve been with every side in the top six, it’s just we couldn’t finish off games,’’ Holcombe said.
“We’ve got five of them in the run home and we’re probably looking to knock off each one of them on the way through.’’
Fourth-placed Seaford (8-4) has lost its past two games and faces a tough run home with games against fellow top-five sides. Coach Ben Murphy was at a loss to explain the Tigers’ dip in form. “(We have) a lot of players down on confidence and not executing...I just can’t put my finger on it at the moment,’’ he said. “There’s no doubt we are down on confidence and with confidence it’s hard to get and easy to lose. Unfortunately we are losing it at the moment.
“We’ve got a tough run home. Honestly, I’m focusing on Tuesday night. You know, no more talk about finals or any of that. Even though it’s only five weeks away it’s out of the picture at the moment and we need to take one step at a time.’’
Murphy said the experienced Kyle Matthews, who hasn’t played since Round 6, was due to return from overseas in the next fortnight. Seaford ruckman Nick Shannon won’t play again this season after rupturing his ACL last week.
Karingal snapped an 11-game losing streak with a determined come-from-behind 18-point win over cellar dweller Langwarrin.
The Bulls trailed by a few points at both quarter time and half time but clawed their way to the front, winning 10.11 (71) to 7.11 (53). The dashing Callan Dixon continued his terrific form with a best-on-ground display, while Andy McInnes was a major factor in the win, along with third-gamer Darcy Hope (three goals), Bailey Frey (two) and Bradley Occhipinti (one).
For Langy, Kieran Albanese (four goals), Luke Churcher, Jack Henderson and debutant Zac Foot, who booted a goal, were gallant.
Edi-Asp climbed into the five after dispatching Chelsea by 32 points, 17.15 (117) to 12.13 (85), at Regents Park.
Eagles champion Tim Mannix racked up the possessions, while Nick Carlon and Todd Woodbridge sparkled. Up forward, Mick Meehan, Michael Bussey, Tom Burley, Liam Harris and Elliot Macquire combined for 13 goals.
Third-placed Bonbeach, after losing to Pines and Edi-Asp, put its season back on track with an impressive 25-point win over Mt Eliza, 12.15 (87) to 9.8 (62). Sharks forward Owen Hulett proved the difference, slotting five goals.
In Nepean league, former AFL players Troy Schwarze, Chris Dawes and Luke Tapscott will try to steer Sorrento to a premiership this season.
The trio have taken the coaching reins of the red-hot Sharks after the departure of Nick Jewell.
For Schwarze, who coached Sorrento to five flags, it’s a return to familiar territory.
“So, I think I know what to do at this time of the year,’’ he joked. “But it’s getting it done that’s the important thing.’’
Sorrento, unbeaten and four games clear on top of the ladder, is yet to be seriously challenged and has been beating all-comers with ease.
The Sharks improved their record to 14-0 with a 21.15 (141) to 12.7 (79) win over Red Hill on Saturday, with Nick Corp slotting seven goals.
Schwarze has coached some powerful Sorrento sides in the past but admits this current combination rates as one of the best he’s seen. “Yeah, it’s pretty impressive,’’ he said.
“I don’t want to pump it up too much because I’m sort of on a hiding to nothing with this job. I’ve taken over a side that hasn’t lost. If I lose people will think I can’t coach and if we win people will say, ‘Of course you win, look at the team you’ve got’. So I’ve just got to keep them on track.’’
Sorrento had winners all over the ground against Red Hill. Corp was dominant in the air and converted, while Danny Stephenson, Chad Harris and full-back Justin McLeary played good games.
Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said his side can still play finals.
“The next two weeks we play Somerville and Dromana…and whoever can win those games will get in,’’ he said.
“It all comes down to the next fortnight and we’ve just got to make the most of our opportunities.
“I thought we battled hard yesterday, competed well. Even in the last quarter they didn’t blow us away, it was five goals to four. We just don’t have the personnel that they have.’’
Rosebud consolidated second spot with a 44-point win over Tyabb, Jack Jarman, Dan Wilson and Sean Downie running rampant for the Buds.
For Tyabb, Jack Doman was a shining light with five goals and Brad Williams continued his good season.
The Frankston Bombers continued their march to the finals with a 22-point win over Dromana, 13.19 (97) to 11.9 (75). Sam Fox capped a best-on-ground display with three goals, while Jay Reynolds, Jarryd Amalfi and Dale Sutton impressed.
For Dromana, which remains fifth, Sam Fowler booted four goals.
Sixth-placed Somerville kept its finals hopes alive with a 15.12 (102) to 11.14 (80) win over Rye. Travis Finn, Justin Allsopp and Patrick Nagel starred for the Eagles.
Hastings thumped Pearcedale 26.17 (173) to 9.8 (62), with Dale Alanis, Jake Hewitt, Shaun Foster and David Hirst (four goals) in mint form.
Devon Meadows led all the way to beat Crib Point by 26 points, 14.14 (98) to 10.12 (72). Impressive teenager Liam Drew was named best for the Panthers, while Patrick and Jack Harmes also were in the best.
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