MPFNL 2023: Luke Daniel slots 10 goals as Pearcedale continues charge to finals

Pearcedale has the in-form forward in the comp and a stack of momentum as it makes a late bid for finals in MPFNL Division 2.

Pearcedale sharp shooter Luke Daniel (right) kicked double figures on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

On a four-game tear, Pearcedale is peaking at the right time of the season.

And with a host of key players set to return from injury, including ex-AFL star Dayne Beams and the brilliant Cruiz West, the Dales are looming large.

But the big question is: can they force their way into the top five?

Pearcedale is currently in sixth spot on the Mornington Peninsula league Division 2 ladder, equal on points with fifth placed Chelsea.

The Dales face second-placed Karingal, winless Rye and second-bottom side Seaford in the remaining rounds.

On Saturday, Pearcedale forward Luke Daniel fired off 10 goals to help the Dales beat Tyabb by nine points, 15.14 (104) to 14.11 (95).

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pearcedale gun Luke Settineri. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Daniel missed five games earlier in the season after twisting his knee in Round 3, but he’s returned in brilliant fashion.

“He came into preseason in the best shape he’s been, started like a house on fire and then he got injured,” Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac said.

“He kicks them every way, ground ball, marks, yeah, he’s got a good variety in his game. He’s a hard match up.”

Daniel has kicked 38 goals in 10 games to be in equal fifth spot on the competition goalkicking table. Edi-Asp’s Michael Meehan leads the list with 47, one ahead of Chelsea’s Jesse Davies, with Morninggton sharp shooter Tim Susovich on 45 and Seaford’s ex-AFL Saint Jack Lonie on 43.

Pearcedale gave a senior debut to under-19 Aaron Hosking on Saturday and he handled himself well as th Dales rallied in the second half after trailing by 17 points at halftime.

Tyabb was gallant in defeat, with Ethan Rahilly, Chris Harris, Jake Greeley and Darcy Sawyer among their best.

In other games:

*Mornington’s high-scoring ways continued, thrashing Crib Point by 94 points, 22.19 (151) to 9.3 (57). Susovich slotted seven goals and Ryan Falvo five, while former VFL midfielder Perry Lewis-Smith was superb. Nathan Heath, Mitchell Bluhm and Ty Cull were also among the Dogs’ best. “Timmy Sus and Ryan Falvo were on the end of everything and couldn’t miss,’’ Mornington coach Josh Newman said. “Our mids Perry (Lewis-Smith) and Speedy (Adrian Speedy) have been super with Nathan Heath back to his best. Young fellas Mitch Bluhm and Ty Cull were important for us. Ty is getting better each week and turning himself into a genuine senior footballer.’’

*The great Robert Harvey returned to his original club Seaford for a luncheon and brought St Kilda coach Ross Lyon with him. But their presence couldn’t stop local rivals Chelsea from scoring a resounding 75-point win, 25.18 (168) to 14.9 (93). Anthony Beale booted seven goals for the Seagulls.

*Edithvale-Aspendale went on a scoring blitz, thrashing a hapless Rye by 156 points, 33.14 (212) to 9.2 (56). Zack O’Neill and Billy Flavelle booted five goals apiece for the Eagles.

*Devon Meadows vice-captain Joel Hillis turned in one of the performances of the season, kicking eight goals in the Panthers’ 44-point win over Hastings, 15.5 (95) to 7.9 (51). Dean Kent, Riley Simmons, Alex Canal, Jamie Plumridge and Nick Battle were also busy for the 9-5 Devon Meadows.