MPFNL 2023: Frankston Bombers raring to go in Division 1

The Frankston Bombers have signed a VFL player on the eve of the season as new coach John Brown outlines “ambitious” plans.

Sandringham Zebras-listed Sam Latreille has made the Frankston Bombers his home club. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

There is a newness about the Frankston Bombers ahead of the 2023 MPFNL Division 1 season, which starts on Saturday.

Former Frankston Dolphins VFL assistant coach John Brown has taken over as senior coach, providing a different voice for the players after Beau Muston’s eight-year tenure.

Also, a raft of recruits has re-energised the list.

Sandringham Zebras VFL-listed Sam Latrielle last week made the Frankston Bombers his home club.

The former Dandenong Stingrays livewire will play with the Bombers when he’s not required by the St Kilda-aligned Zebras, coached by sometime Frankston Bomber Jake Batchelor.

“It’s exciting, it is a real bonus for us,” Brown said of Latreille’s signing.

Jack Berry.

Khan Haretuku.

Frankston Bombers’ other recruits include former Frankston Dolphins and Werribee VFL ruckman Jack Berry and current Frankston VFL-listed Bayleigh Welsh, from Mt Eliza.

Dolphins academy squad member Lachlan Robinson, also from Mt Eliza, is another Bombers newcomer.

Cameron Price (Mt Eliza), Noah Hura (back from Western Australia), Max Milward (Frankston YCW) and Vermont forward Mick Maio are other new additions.

Brown coached Maio at Vermont and said he would play a support role to Jarrad Grant and Khan Haretuku in the Bombers forward line.

New Frankston Bombers coach John Brown. Picture: Stuart Milligan

After playing off in last season’s preliminary final, the Bombers go into the new season with optimism.

“It’s a talented list, there are some experienced footballers but we’ve also got a really good young brigade coming through,’’ Brown said.

“It’s not just a matter of here and now for the club. We certainly have some ambitious plans for 2023 and ‘24 but also making sure we’re setting a foundation for future years.

“That’s the importance of the young list we’ve got. It’s up to the coaching staff to really make sure we teach, grow and develop these lads, show them right systems, the right structures and provide the club that sustainability even well beyond my years there.”

Brown is a multiple premiership coach in the strong Eastern football league and says taking charge of an MPFNL club was an exciting challenge.

“I haven’t coached in the league before,’’ he said.

“I’m predominately Eastern football league before I came across to the VFL program and I’m really excited about the opportunity — new league, new ground, new players, it’s created a new enthusiasm for me and I can’t wait to get involved this year.’’

Frankston Bombers’ main losses are Sam Fox, Dylan Sutton and Jake Greeley — all to Tyabb.

Bombers defender Sam Pickess ruptured his ACL at training last November and will miss the entire 2023 season.

In other news at the Bombers, former Williamstown VFL player Kirby McConnon has settled in well as senior assistant coach.

“We’re really thrilled to have him on board and the players are really gravitating to him which is terrific,” Brown said of McConnon.

Frankston Bombers face Bonbeach, at Bonbeach, in the season-opener on Saturday.

“The two clubs had some really good battles last year, including the preliminary final, so we’re looking forward to getting down there in round 1,’’ Brown said.

“And we know we’re up for a big contest, they’re a quality outfit and they played off in the grand final last year. It’s an exciting opportunity to test ourselves and understand where we’re at.’’

FRANKSTON BOMBERS

Coach: John Brown

Captain: Alex Harnett

Vice captain: Jason Kingsbury

In: Sam Latrielle, Jack Berry, Bayleigh Welsh, Lachlan Robinson, Cameron Price, Noah Hura, Max Milward, Mick Maio

Out: Sam Fox, Dylan Sutton, Jake Greeley