MPFNL 2023: Dromana thumps Frankston YCW by 54 points in Division 1 grand final

A stunning display of pressure football has fired Dromana to the MPFNL Division 1 premiership, with a champion named best-on-ground. See the pics...

Dromana celebrate winning the 2023 MPFNL Division One Seniors Grand Final. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Dromana proved its champion qualities in the biggest game of the year on Sunday.

The Tigers squeezed and then swamped Frankston YCW, clearing out for a 54-point win in the MPFNL Division 1 grand final in front of a crowd of 6774 at a sun-drenched Frankston Park.

Dromana won 14.13 (97) to 6.7 (43).

It took 24 minutes for the first goal of the game to be kicked, by Dromana’s Sam Geurts.

It was all one way traffic as the Tigers slotted the opening seven goals of the game to open up a 42-point lead in the second quarter.

Frankston YCW’s hopes of back-to-back flags were all but shot; the Stonecats narrowly avoiding a goalless first half when Matt La Fontaine drilled their first goal after the half-time siren.

The Tigers run through the banner. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Jake Aarts of the Tigers is tackled by Brenton Lambert. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Dromana kept YC at bay in the second half, putting its foot on the gas in the last quarter with five goals.

The Tigers had winners all over the ground.

League medal winner Jake Aarts was influential with his toughness and skill in the first half.

Sam Fowler was electric up forward, firing off five goals, including three of the Tigers’ first four of the game, while his offsider Ethan Johnstone capped a great game with a brilliant late goal.

Jai Taylor was dashing and fearless off half back, setting up many Dromana attacks, capping a superb game with a goal in the last term.

Jai Taylor of Dromana celebrates kicking a goal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Taylor Davidson. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Dromana pose with the premiership cup after winning the 2023 MPFNL Division One grand final. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Dean Waugh was a stand-out with his intercept marking in the backline and his laser left foot that always hit a target.

Dromana’s champion ruckman Billy Geurts won the medal for best-afield after a dominant display, in the ruck and around the ground with his skill and athleticism.

Big Billy has built an impressive footy resume. He can add the title Mr September; a big-game performer.

Dromana captain Billy Quigley led from the front, and fittingly he slotted a goal with the last kick of the grand final, triggering celebrations.

Defender Luke Oborn shut down YCW key forward Josh Patullo, young Nick Collier showed poise and skill and big Taylor Davidson kicked two goals.

Billy Geurts of the Tigers poses with his premiership and best on ground medals. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Sam Fowler. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

The Andrews brothers, Madi and Jordy, did well — Jordy looked dangerous up forward and set up Johnstone for a goal in the second term — and 38-year-old Daniel Gormley capped a splendid career with another flag.

Dromana coach Matt Price, who played in a flag and now has one as coach, praised his men for handling the occasion of a grand final.

“To my boys, going in as favourites today there was a bit pressure but we stood up, took the heat early and then smashed them at the end so well done boys,’’ he said.

Dromana had a near-perfect season, dropping only one game (to Langwarrin in Round 16).

Frankston YCW went into the game without champion defender Byron Barry, who pulled out with a hamstring injury.

In the reserves, Langwarrin’s Levi Hughes kicked a goal with 90 seconds to go to give the Kangas a gripping two-point win over Red Hill.

Langwarrin also won the Under 19s, beating Mt Eliza by 24 points.