Local footy: MPFNL Division 2 preview, analysis for 2023 season
A club-by-club analysis ahead of the MPFNL Division 2 season, including recruits, list changes and coaches.
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A string of star signings will make Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 2 a must-watch competition in 2023.
The arrival of ex-AFL players Paddy Ryder (Devon Meadows), Dayne Beams (Pearcedale), Dean Kent (Devon Meadows), Jack Lonie (Seaford) and Billy Hartung (Rye), as well as ex-AFL Kangaroo Tom Murphy at Somerville, will ensure the spotlight is firmly focused on the division.
Such is the depth in Division 2, it will be a major achievement just to make finals.
The season kicks off on Saturday with four intriguing matches.
All eyes will be on the Devon Meadows-Pearcedale clash, with Ryder going up against Beams. Crib Point hosts the highly rated Somerville, Hastings faces Seaford and Mornington meets Karingal.
Here’s how all 12 clubs in Division 2 shape up:
CHELSEA
Coach: David Willett
Last year: 10-8
State of play: The Seagulls have recruited strongly, headed by Myrtleford champion Matthew Dussin, who can play in the ruck, onball, forward or back. Archie Thomson, from Wangaratta Rovers, is another key addition, while the Seagulls have also added Caulfield Grammarians trio Will Barker, Baxter Knight and Jack Wallace. After narrowly missing finals last year, Chelsea can emerge as a contender. Champion Todd Gardiner will skipper the Gulls again.
CRIB POINT
Coach: Andrew Gilmour
Last year: 2-16
State of play: The recruits have landed at Crib Point, setting up an exciting 2023 season for the Magpies. Pakenham trio Liam, Eli and Kane Tyrell head the new arrivals, along with one-time AFL draft prospect Josh Le Grice and Chelsea Heights premiership hero Ryan Odell. Mornington defender James Turnbull is also an important addition. Liam Tyrell is a former Pakenham club captain who is on Casey Demons VFL list. Le Grice came through the Sandringham Dragons and was on Box Hill Hawks VFL list. He played with Old Brighton Grammarians last year, and has been playing in Darwin over summer. Odell was best-on-ground in the Southern league Division 2 grand final last season and will bolster Cribby’s midfield. Cooper Wisken won the best and fairest last year and will be vital again, along with Warwick Miller, Jett Bauer and Miles Shepherd.
DEVON MEADOWS
Coach: Ryan Hendy
Last year: 11-7
State of play: The Panthers will have a strong St Kilda flavour, with Paddy Ryder, Dean Kent and 19-year-old Josiah Kyle. The speedy and skilful Kyle will add a burst of excitement to the Panthers, who have also picked up St Kilda City ruckman Riley Simmons and Poowong trio Patrick Harmes, Jayden Sullivan and Jed Benham. Harmes is returning home; he’s a former club best and fairest winner. Kent has been appointed co-captain with Nick Battle, who won last season’s league medal. Ryder marked everything that came his way in a recent practice match. Look for Round 1 debuts for teenagers Patrick Sinnema and Bailey Phillips.
EDITHVALE-ASPENDALE
Coach: Paul McCormack
Last year: 1-17
State of play: After being relegated from the top flight, the Eagles are hellbent on bouncing back strongly. They’ve added an impressive collection of recruits, including Frankston Dolphins defender Liam Hiscock, VAFA ruckman Alex Browne, Cheltenham defender Daniel Harrison, Josh “The Wizard’’ Miller from St Bede’s, Adam Boags (Dandenong Redlegs) and Noble Park’s Mitch Woolgar, while also regaining Billy Flavelle. Kurt Lopo and Hugo Clarke made a big impression last season and remain key figures. Nic Carlon takes on the captaincy. After a gruelling pre-season under fitness guru Rick Mirabella, the Eagles have added size and strength to what is a talented group.
HASTINGS
Coach: Gavin Artico
Last year: 5-13
State of play: The Blues look set to climb the ladder under two-time premiership coach Gav Artico, who has arrived eager to build success. One-time draft prospect Clayton Gay returns to his home club from West Adelaide in the SANFL, while Hastings has also brought in Frankston YCW pair Josh Berenger and Tom Baker, and Langwarrin’s Cooper De Merlo. All three have proven themselves capable at senior level. Jake Hewitt will captain the Blues.
KARINGAL
Coach: Luke Forsyth
Last year: 13-5
State of play: After playing off in last season’s grand final, the Bulls have brought in Bunyip ruckman Agape Patolo and Rye best and fairest winner Matt Hill. Rowville legend Alex Frawley has also joined Karingal, providing vital experience. Riley D’Arcy and Darcy Hope kicked over 100 goals between them last year, while Sam Glenn, Josh Bradley and Jordan Pomeroy are also sure to again feature strongly this season.
MORNINGTON
Coach: Josh Newman
Last year: 8-10
State of play: The Bulldogs are setting themselves for a big season under new coach, ex-Frankston VFL captain Josh Newman, who should be one of the recruits of the season given he played a decade in the VFL. And with star forward Jackson Calder back, the Bulldogs will look to get off the leash at times. Look for Adrian Speedy, Lachlan Susovich, Gussy Rowler, Matt Caine and young Tim Susovich to make their mark this season.
PEARCEDALE
Coach: Peter Bastinac
Last year: 11-7
State of play: All eyes will be on former Collingwood and Brisbane Lions star Dayne Beams, one of the biggest signings in country football. His arrival will complement an exciting Dales list, headed by Ryan Bastinac, and including Jordan Bastinac, Luke Daniel, Cruiz West, Archie McGuiness and Luke Jennings. Ryan Bastinac looks supremely fit and will set the standard for the Dales.
RYE
Coach: Stephen Ryan
Last year: 8-10
State of play: Rye’s midfield is set for an injection of pace and experience after securing ex-AFL speedster Billy Hartung. The Demons have lost several leading players, including captain Tyrren Head (to East Brighton) and Nick Strickland (travelling overseas). Former Collingwood and Richmond forward Stephen Ryan will coach Rye for a second stint and is confident the young Demons have plenty of upside, and can improve on last season. Leading goal kicker Andrew Dean will captain the Demns, who will rely on pace and quick ball movement. A plethora of talent is coming through the under 19s.
SEAFORD
Coach: Zac Vansittart
Last year: 8-10
State of play: The Tigers’ build-up to Round 1 took a fierce blow when their dominant ruckman Macklin Raine suffered an ACL injury. Seaford will now run with young ruckmen, presenting great opportunities. Ex-AFL Saint Jack Lonie has returned to his home club and is set to be one of the best players in the league. In a boost for Seaford, last season’s best and fairest runner up Ishak Bashir has aborted plans to move to Queensland and will play. The Tigers also have a raft of exciting young players ready to step up, Luke Kranzbuhler, Josh Edwards, Matt Kennedy and Chris Buttner among them.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Chris Gamble
Last year: 12-6
State of play: The Eagles will be one of the favourites after securing former North Melbourne AFL player Tom Murphy full-time and Kilcunda Bass ruck-forward Ethan Watts. Murphy, 25, was on Frankston’s VFL list last year and is capable of dominating the competition. WA’s Jaxsen Shinners, Old Hailebury’s Tom Bain and Jordy Hurley, VFL player Mason de Wit and Corey Battams from Karingal can help the Eagles excel under new coach Chris Gamble, who boasts diversified experience in the VFL, AFLW, Australian Defence Force and Australian Navy. Doveton youngster Kai Suparta, who has spent time with the Casey Demons academy and in the Frankston Dolphins pre-season, is another recruit. Lockie Williams and Luke Barton are Somerville’s co-captains, with Kane McKenzie vice-captain.
TYABB
Coach: Anthony Agius
Last year: 2-15
State of play: The Yabbies have strengthened, securing Frankston Bombers trio Sam Fox, Dale Sutton and Jake Greeley, along with Mt Eliza utility James Hammond, Somerville’s Brett Sutton and Casey Demons VFL player Brad Sykes. “We just needed some mature players and players who’ve played at the higher levels just to be able to go to the next level with Tyabb,” coach Agius said. “We went for them and we got them.” Young gun Will Hose and Corey Buchan will again lead the way for the Yabs.
DIVISION 2
Teams: Chelsea, Crib Point, Devon Meadows, Edithvale-Aspendale, Hastings, Karingal, Mornington, Pearcedale, Rye, Seaford, Somerville, Tyabb
Reigning premier/runner-up: Langwarrin/Karingal
Reigning best and fairest: Nick Battle (Devon Meadows)
2022 leading goalkicker: Andrew Dean (Rye) 74
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