Frankston YCW forward Josh Butland signs at Centrals Trinity Beach in Cairns league
Frankston YCW has lost a key forward who has taken up an opportunity with a Cairns football club.
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Just when Frankston YCW was starting to get excited by the prospect of a star-studded forward line, it has lost a gun.
After three fruitful seasons at Frankston in the VFL, Josh Butland was set to play full-time at the Stonecats in 2025.
That was until an exciting opportunity from up north popped up.
A solicitor by trade, Butland got a chance through his company to work in Cairns.
And keen to play football, he’s signed at Centrals Trinity Beach in the Cairns league.
Butland played 28 VFL matches in the past three seasons, kicking 32 goals.
He’s been training over summer with YCW, and looked like forming a dynamic two-pronged attack with Riley D’Arcy, who led the MPFNL Division 1 goal-kicking chart last season.
“So, it’s a bit of a heavy heart,’’ Frankston YCW coach Paul Goonan said of Butland’s departure.
“I said this to him as a friend, ‘you’ve got to take those opportunities when they pop up’.
“It’s great for him, great for his career. He and (his wife) Brooke, they’ve been talking about doing some travel, and footy and work has held them back. But now it’s an opportunity to go and try somewhere else. Hopefully he’s there for a year and comes back again.’’
Goonan was philosphical about losing Butland.
“It’s just what happens in local footy, chop and change, and you’ve got to roll with the punches,’’ he said.
Power forward D’Arcy has been lively for YCW in practice matches, although his kicking has been a bit astray. He looks set for another strong season.
“He’s getting his looks but not the reward he deserves,’’ Goonan said.
“I just know with him that will come, he’ll work really hard on that.’’
Frankston YCW lost to Eastern league club Rowville in a practice match last Saturday.
“They were up by six goals at quarter time, they jumped us at the start,’’ Goonan said.
Karingal recruit Matt Hill impressed for the Stonecats.
“He’s slotted in seamlessly,’’ Goonan said.
“He’s playing really good footy for us. I’m excited to see him play this year.’’
Teenager Choul Kulang also did well for YC and livewire small forward Christian Tsiampas caught the eye (“he looks like he’s taken the next step’’).
CJ Small, who’s come back from Mornington, also did well, and Lachlan Bryce played his first game back from injury.
Bailey Fry copped a heavy bump and Zeb Quick had tightness in a hamstring.
Frankston YCW host Dromana in the season opener at John Coburn Oval on Saturday, April 5.
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