MPFNL 2023: Frankston YCW beats Pines, set to manage list before finals

Frankston YCW coach Paul Goonan gives an update on how his side’s premiership defence is going, injuries and the emergence of some young guns.

Frankston YCW players and supporters — of all ages — celebrate Saturday’s win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston YCW improved its record to 11-3 with a come-from-behind 16-point win over longtime rivals Pines in the Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 1 on Saturday.

After trailing by 12 points at quarter-time and 17 at halftime, the Stonecats kicked 10 goals to five in the second half to win 14.9 (93) to 12.5 (77) at Eric Bell Reserve.

“It was a really good response from our boys,” YCW coach Paul Goonan said.

“We made a few structural changes. Lachie Wallace into the midfield provided a real lift in the middle.

“Matth La Fontaine went forward and caused a bit of damage running around up there.

“And we just took a bit more care with the footy to be honest. That was the main part of what changed for us.”

YCW’s Bassirou Faye battles it out with Pines’ Beau Hendry. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston YCW’s Luca Goonan. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mack Hura and small forward Christian Tsiampas were also in the best.

Josh Patullo, “playing sore”, provided a target to forward for Frankston YCW, booting four goals.

“Even though he was limited with his movement — nothing serious, a corky — he couldn’t give us a lot of run and movement but he still managed to structurally help us out and he kicked four goals in the end,” Goonan said of Patullo.

Goonan also praised young players Matthew Jackson and Bassirou Faye.

“Big Roo Faye, he had his best game by a mile for us, and really took a quantum leap with his footy,” he said.

“Matty Jackson had a really good game, he’s only 20, he keeps improving, he really stepped up for us.”

Pines was without Dane Swan, who had another commitment, but Aaron Edwards gave the Pythons firepower, slotting five goals.

Jarrod Richards, back from injury, was named Pines’ best.

YCW coach Paul Goonan chats to his players on the ground after their win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Goonan said Frankston YCW, second, was “ticking along” as it chased back-to-back flags.

“Like all sides were juggling a few sore boys,” he said.

“We’ve got two or three to come back next week and there are probably one or two who might need a rest, they’ve been playing sore for a little bit. It’s that time of year.

“We’re going okay but probably like all clubs just managing our list at the moment.”

Goonan added: “We got beaten by Dromana the other week so that was frustrating but also we probably needed to find out where we’re at. We’re thereabouts but we’ve also got to do a bit more improving if we want to get over the top of them.”

In a boost, Frankston YC will regain Jimmy Cahill and Matt Troutbeck for its game against Red Hill next week.

In other games:
*Dromana maintained its unbeaten record with a 23-point win over Mt Eliza, Sam Fowler, Jake Aarts, Billy Quigley and young star Nicholas Collier best for the 14-0 Tigers.

*Rosebud improved its record to 5-9 with a gritty 21-point win over Bonbeach. The Buds’ best were Reid Nanscawen, Liam Tidd, Blake Kuipers and Rob Bos, in his 100th senior game.

*Frankston Bombers bounced back from a tough week to score a covincing 36-point win over Langwarrin, with Jarrad Grant kicking five goals and Seth Harris, Chase Harris, Harry Prior and Alex Harnett among the best.

*Red Hill scored arousing 17-point win at Sorrento, with teenager Charlie Robinson-Cay doing a fantastic job on Myles Poholke.

“Just a solid team-first, four quarter performance,’’ HIllmen coach Jamie Mollo said.

“The four quarter part has been inconsistent with us this season but it is part of the journey with a younger group.’’