MPFNL 2023: Ex-VFL captain Josh Newman inspires Mornington to flag glory in Division 2
A first-half blunder was a blessing in disguise as Mornington came-from-behind to win the MPFNL Division 2 grand final.
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Mornington has claimed the Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 2 premiership after a come-from-behind nine-point triumph over Somerville on Saturday.
The Bulldogs trailed by 14 points at half-time but a big second half led by playing-coach Josh Newman inspired the minor premiers to a 9.7 (61) to 7.10 (52) win in front of nearly 5000 people at Frankston Park.
Mornington’s victory denied Somerville a first flag in 37 years.
Newman, who won the league medal during the week, was awarded the medal for best-on-ground in the grand final.
Co-captains Adrian Speedy and Nathan Heath, ruckman Jarrod Hicks, Perry Lewis-Smith, Matthew North and Ryan Falvo were also among Mornington’s best.
Former Frankston VFL captain Newman took his game to another level in the second half, sparking a turnaround.
He revealed he was fired up after a first half error.
“I was pretty disappointed with my first half and felt I let the team down with a couple of skill errors and a shot on goal when I should have kicked it and they went up the other end and scored,” Newman said after the game.
“So I felt like I owed the team and I had to do something in that second half.
“Glad I could take a couple of marks, by no means was it the perfect game that’s for sure.”
Mornington took an eight-point lead into the last quarter.
Both teams had their chances to kick the crucial first goal of the term — Mornington forward Tim Susovich missed a set shot 10 minutes in.
Newman was inspirational as he took a strong grab from a Speedy pass and then another moments later.
Bulldogs defender Will Goosey dashed forward and was involved as Mornington manufactured a goal out of congestion to go 17 points ahead.
Somerville kept coming, though, and Lachlan Sharp kept the Eagles alive with a goal — and then hit the post with another shot.
Time ran out for Somey as Mornington secured the premiership and promotion back to Division 1.
“Over the moon,’’ Newman said.
“I can’t believe it. We finally got it done, capped off what has been an awesome year and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.
“We had our backs against the wall and credit to Somey, they took it to us.
“We just told the boys to stick to the process and it will come, and sure enough it did.
“I’m just going to try and soak it up with an amazing playing and coaching group and just the club in general.
“Getting them into division one is the most pleasing part about it and what’s made everyone so happy. I’m just glad and super proud that I could play a small part of that.’’
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