MPFNL 2023: Mornington storms into Division 2 grand final

There was a reason Mornington spearhead Jackson Calder had “fire in his belly’’ on Saturday. His eight goals propelled the Bulldogs into the MPFNL Division 2 grand final.

Mornington’s Jackson Calder takes a kick on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington playing-coach Josh Newman asked for a show of hands a couple of weeks ago.

“How many of you have played finals?” he quizzed his young side.

There was only a smattering of raised arms.

This Mornington side is big on talent, but light on for finals experience.

The Bulldogs are also fast learners.

And on Saturday, the Dogs bit back from last week’s qualifying final loss to Somerville with a vengeance to beat Devon Meadows by 45 points in the MPFNL Division 2 preliminary final at Rye.

Ignited by an eight-goal haul by full-forward Jackson Calder, the Bulldogs won 19.14 (128) to 12.11 (83).

Harry Bould.

James Cameron. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

The Bulldogs were ferocious as they fired off 7.6 in the opening quarter to set up victory.

Newman said it was all about “trusting the process” as Mornington notched up its first finals victory in almost a decade.

“There was no need for yelling and screaming or anything like that,” he said.

“It was just about trusting the process, we’ve played good footy all year, we needed to just get rid of some of those finals nerves and get to work.

“There was definitely question marks around whether we were ready as a group to stand up in the big games.

“We actually got the first two goals kicked on us and it was probably a do or die moment there…we thought ok, are nerves going to get the better of us or are we going to stand up and play the footy that we’re capable of.

“We went on to kick seven goals that (first) quarter and made a bit of a statement.’’

Mornington ruckman Jarrod Hicks goes up. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ominously, Newman said there were patches in which his Bulldogs played their “best footy all year’’.

“Hopefully we see more of it next week,” he said.

Mornington will face Somerville in the grand final at Frankston Park next Saturday.

Mornington spearhead Jackson Calder was brilliant on Saturday, kicking eight goals.

Newman revelaed big Jacko was fired up, with a point to prove.

“He was at his best,” Newman said.

“He’s hard on himself, Jacko, he’s obviously a quality player.

“There was a bit of external noise as they do on the social media platforms these days, there were a few questioning his performance the week before.

“Knowing Jacko and the quality player he is, that didn’t bother him at all. It put a bit of a fire in his belly and he went out there and showed everyone what he’s capable of, kicked eight. Really impressive to see him bounce back the way he did.”

Jackson Calder.

Devon Meadows player Riley McDonald and Ty Cull (Mornington). Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington midfielders Nathan Heath and Perry Lewis-Smith were also influential with their dash and play-making ability.

“Nath was huge, his work rate and use of the footy and his ability to break through contests and take on tackles…he and Perry and their running capacity provided the forwards with some good looks and plenty of ball coming in,’’ Newman said.

Will Goosey in the backline was rock solid. Matthew North and Ryan Falvo were also among the Bulldogs’ best, while Tim Susovich booted three goals.

Devon Meadows’ quest for its first senior premiership ended in disappointment. The Panthers

Newman said Mornington “got through unscathed’’ and would enjoy the build up to the grand final.

“We have a few sore boys but that’s the beauty of the granny, it’s the last game of the year so the boys will do everything they can to be fit and firing and put it all out there next week,’’ he said.