From underdogs to unstoppable: MPFNL’s surprise stars of 2025

Who’s turning heads in local footy? Discover the unsung heroes lighting up the MPFNL this season. From reserves to revelations, these players are redefining ‘breakout season’.

The surprise packets of the MPFNL season.

Massive pre-seasons, natural improvement, motivation...

Whatever the catalyst, a wave of previously underrated players has surged to the forefront in the opening six rounds of the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League in Divisions 1 and 2.

It’s time to shine a spotlight on these unexpected stars. These are the players who have defied expectations, stepped up their game, and become integral to their teams’ campaigns.

Here are the “surprise packets” of the 2025 MPFNL season so far:

• Teddy Banks (Karingal): Outstanding on the wing, averaging at least 20 disposals per game. Recorded 15 marks against Devon and won a Rising Star nomination.

Teddy Banks takes a kick for Karingal. Picture: Valeriu Campan

• Mitch Bluhm (Mornington): The premiership ruckman has elevated his game even further this season.

• Noah Davies (Sorrento): 19 year old playing a small defensive role. Beautiful skills. Hard nosed edge. Deceptively good overhead and intercepting, and has elite running capacity.

• Tait Dennis (Rye): Crossed to Rye from Dromana this season and has been exceptional as a key forward. Has a strong presence.

• Alex Dimic (Pearcedale): In just his second season of senior footy, the small defender has been consistently in Pearcedale’s top 10 players in the first five rounds.

• Owen Everts (Bonbeach): Fast and explosive midfielder with an edge of toughness. Still under 19 eligible.

• Toby Geurts (Dromana): has moved into the midfield this year and is doing great things considering he’s still U19 eligible.

• Pete Goulas (Seaford): Kicked 4 goals against Tyabb (could have had 3 more) and is a player on the rise.

Jordan Hayter with the ball for Somerville. Picture: Valeriu Campan

• Jordan Hayter (Somerville): strongly built, contested midfielder who’s made a big impact since joining the Eagles out of the VAFA, with four mentions in the best already.

• Harry Langford (Mt Eliza): Successfully transitioned from a lockdown small defender to an impactful midfielder.

• Bailey Mcindoe (Seaford): midfielder who’s graduated from the 19’s program but looks like he’s been playing senior footy for a couple of years.

• Sam Mackinder (Seaford): Has started the season exceptionally well. Trained with Williamstown in the pre season and has carried that opportunity into the early parts of this year.

• Patrick MacDonald (Red Hill): Young key forward who has been a shining light for the Hillmen.

Patrick MacDonald is an exciting player for Red Hill. Picture: Facebook

• Jaxson Mead (Frankston YCW): A promising young forward who’s had to shoulder more than his share of ruck work, and done it impressively.

• Jackson Muscillo (Frankston YCW): A young mid/forward showing continuous improvement.

• Shea Mitchell (Red Hill): Has been rock solid in defence.

• Heath Minotti (Tyabb): At 19, the hard-working half-forward is kicking goals and laying big tackles, becoming a shining light for Tyabb.

• Reid Nanscawen (Rosebud): Midfielder who has increased his disposal average from 20 to 27 this season, showing craftiness out of stoppages.

• Brett O’Hanlon (Chelsea): Most people probably thought he was finished after doing three hammys last year, but he’s been Chelsea’s best forward this season.

• Colby Nayna (Edi-Asp): Frankston VFL-listed defender starring as part of the Eagles’ formidable backline.

• Kyle Parrott (Edi-Asp): Recruited from Karingal, he’s impressed as a small forward. Unassuming, but dangerous, he’s provided the Eagles with speed while his defensive pressure is getting better and better. Kicked 4 goals in Rd 1.

• Cody Ray (Devon Meadows): 17-year-old making an impact at half-forward.

• Spencer Robertson (Frankston Bombers): Inside midfielder using the ball well and improving his pressure and defensive stats.

Corey Slefendorfas wins a tap out for Langwarrin. Picture: Paul Churcher

• Corey Slefendorfas (Langwarrin): Wholehearted emerging ruckman consistently featuring in Langy’s best players.

• Jack Slocombe (Hastings): Has only played a couple years of footy after coming across from basketball. “Tall and athletic, he reminds me of BJ Credlin the way he goes about it,” Blues coach Kev Lylak says.

• Will Stewart (Crib Point): 16 years old averaging 25 possessions a game as a starting mid. First season of senior footy, still an U17.

• Connor Wallace (Rye): Big, strong, dependable defender driving the Demons’ campaign.

• Jon Watson (Tyabb): Taking his game to a new level, even matching up well against high-profile opponents like Dean Kent. Lightning speed and loves the contest.

• Cal White (Rosebud): Crafty forward pocket averaging 3 goals a game, flying under the radar while attention focuses on his brother Mitch.

• Dylan Williams (Pines): The forward kicked 17 goals last year and already has 11 by round 6.

Kai Wunderly boots Mornington forward. Picture: Alan Dillon

• Ky Williams (Devon Meadows): On-baller having a great season so far.

• Kai Wunderly (Mornington): Just 16 years old, he’s hit the ground running in seniors, featuring among the Dogs’ best against Pines.