MPFNL 2023: Dromana beats Frankston YCW to advance to Division 1 grand final

Straight out of the AFL, Jake Aarts has fired Dromana into the MPFNL Division 1 grand final — and then made a surprising self-assessment.

Dromana players Sam Fowler and Jordy Andrews celebrate a goal. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana will get the chance to cap a dominant season with premiership glory.

The Tigers stormed into the Mornington Peninsula league Division 1 grand final with a resounding 37-point win over reigning premiers Frankston YCW in Saturday’s second semi-final.

The dominant Tigers made it 18 wins from 19 matches this season as they came from behind to win 17.14 (116) to 12.7 (79) at Rosebud.

Frankston YCW, so impressive in last week’s win over Pines in the qualifying final, kicked seven unanswered goals before half-time but Dromana stormed back; the Tigers’ skill and relentless attack proving telling in the second half.

Regardless who they meet in the grand final, Dromana will start a warm favourite to hoist the 2023 flag.

Jake Aarts takes a kick for Dromana. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ethan Johnstone.

On Saturday, power forward Jordan Andrews provided a strong target, with mercural small forward Ethan Johnstone also having an impact around goals.

Jayden Tooth, Terry Wheeler, Billy Quigley and Sam Geurts were also in Dromana’s best.

Former Richmond livewire Jake Aarts has been outstanding for Dromana this season and he again was influential — even if he didn’t think so himself.

“He came to me after the game and said he was quiet,’’ Dromana coach Matt Price said.

“I said, ‘mate, you were outstanding again’. He puts high expectations on himself, I’m sure he will be better again in the grand final, he will step up to the occasion.

“The occasion won’t fluster him, so he will be ready to go. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do on the day.’’

Dromana players celebrate their win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Price said his Tigers “got to work’’ after Frankston YCW opened up a 30-point lead in the second quarter.

“I think we just slowly built our way back into it,’’ he said.

“I don’t think there was a moment or anything in particular, we just got to work.

“We did have the week off last week and I said to the boys maybe we were just expecting it to happen.’’

Price praised Jai Taylor, Nick Collier and Dean Waugh for their work off half back. “They were really good setting us up,’’ he said.

Dromana players celebrate their victory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana will have a week off before chasing its third senior flag in six years. The grand final will be on Sunday, September 18, at Frankston Park.

“I think that was our best side for the year (on Saturday),’’ Price said.

“I feel that we’re only going to be better again next week.’’

In Sunday’s first semi-final, Mt Eliza eliminated Pines from the finals with a stirring 13-point win, 11.16 (82) to 10.9 (69). Mitch Smith capped a best-on-ground display with four goals, including the sealer, while Finlay Bayne, Nick MacDonald Girolami, Will Bravo, Max Mourney and Michael West were also in the best. Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones was influential for Mt Eliza, which faces Frankston YCW in next Sunday’s preliminary final.