MPFNL 2023: Frankston YCW hand Langwarrin first up loss in Division 1
Langwarrin has identified an area it needs to improve after starting its MPFNL Division 1 campaign with a loss to powerhouse Frankston YCW.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It was the clash of the reigning premiers.
And Langwarrin came away from its 10-goal loss to Frankston YCW on Saturday with an early-season reality check, but willing to learn.
The Kangaroos’ last defeat was in June, 2021 and they powered through last season unbeaten to win the Division 2 flag.
But, up against Division 1 champs Frankston YCW, Langwarrin was out-pointed as it lost 14.13 (97) to 5.7 (37) at Lloyd Park.
Langy unfurled its premiership flag and started the game brightly.
But the Stonecats soon put their foot down to pull clear, with Josh Patullo, Matt La Fontaine and Christian Tsiampas lighting it up in attack.
“Their pressure was excellent…and we just weren’t able to play any free flowing footy,” Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard said.
“They defended really well and their rebound out of the back half when we coughed it up was outstanding.”
Beard said there was a noticeable difference from Division 2 to Division 1.
“We’ve played a really aggressive attacking brand of footy for the last couple of seasons and we’ve probably had to address really quickly that that’s not going to hold up against good quality sides,” he said.
“We’ve got to spend a bit more time on our defensive aspects as well.”
Beard added: “We still don’t know where we sit in the competition but we’ll find out more each week. Our next challenge is Mt Eliza at Mt Eliza so it doesn’t get any easier.”
Chad Mulvogue tried hard all day for Langy, while Nick Hammill defended well, as did Mitch Cuthbert.
Frankston YCW coach Paul Goonan said he expected a tough encounter and was pleased with his side’s effort.
“Langwarrin hadn’t lost a game for two years and they’re not here just to make up the numbers, they’re here to win,’’ he said.
“We spoke about them unfurling their flag and all those things, it was never going to be an easy game — they were there to win — so we wanted to make sure we were ready for that and prepared. I was really pleased how we did that.”
Frankston YCW’s Brenton Lambert sustained a gash over his eye and went to hospital for stitches.
“A few boys were cramping late in the game which is surprising because we thought we were pretty fit,” Goonan said.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do in the fitness stuff to build them up so it doesn’t happen again.”
Frankston YCW gave a debut to teenager Heath Bidgood and he did well across half back.
“I suppose the big thing to come out of it for us was that they (Langwarrin) kicked five goals and three of those goals were from us making fundamental mistakes in the back half from skill errors,” Goonan said.
“So we can fix that really quickly because that just shouldn’t happen.”
Goonan said Frankston YCW was without four “A grade” premiership players in Kev Lylak, Lachie Wallace, Matt Troutbeck and Byron Barry.
He said the players who came in “did an amazing job”.
Frankston Bombers made an impressive start under new coach John Brown, beating last season’s grand finalists Bonbeach by 32 points, 14.9 (93) to 9.7 (61).
Harry Prior in the ruck, captain Alex Harnett and Mt Eliza recruits Bayleigh Welsh, Cameron Price and Lachlan Robinson (three goals) were among the Bombers’ best.
Khan Haretuku was also influential, slotting three goals.
“It was the perfect way to start the season for us,” Brown said.
“Bonbeach’s second half was pretty solid, they pressed on us and forced a few turnovers which we were a bit disappointed in but…we responded and we were able to push the lead back out to five goals and maintain that for the day.”
Former St Kilda player Sam Dunell kicked two goals for Bonbeach, and Beau Bailey, Emile Tait and Joel Day were among the Sharks best players.
Mt Eliza opened its campaign with a solid 28-point win over Pines, 5.20 (50) to 3.4 (22). Michael West, Max Mourney, Nathan Scagliarini and Tom Freeman were among the Redlegs’ best, while former Rye player Jarrod Richards did well for Pines.
Fight for equality threatens to leave players in cold
When a successful Victorian women’s footy team broke away from its club, they didn’t realise they might be left without a league to play in. The club president and league give their sides of the story.
How Swinburne Uni plans to overcome high player turnover
Swinburne University is hopeful of unearthing a “couple of gems” on the eve of the season as the Razorbacks prepare to celebrate a significant milestone in 2025. The rundown on every VAFA D3 club here.