MPFNL 2023: Paddy Ryder blasts off in Devon Meadows’ dynamic win over Pearcedale

A big goal haul by Paddy Ryder and a dashing Dean Kent have fired Devon Meadows to its first finals victory this century in the MPFNL.

Paddy Ryder was a class above for Devon Meadows on Sunday.. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A blistering eight-goal opening quarter put Devon Meadows on the path to victory over Pearcedale in Sunday’s MPFNL Division 2 elimination final at Baxter Park.

The Panthers were razor sharp as they rushed to a 43-point lead at the first change, with ex-AFL star Paddy Ryder firing off three goals in the term and ex-AFL Demon and Saint Dean Kent two goals.

Devon’s dominance continued in the second quarter, with Kent slotting the side’s 10th goal of the game to open up a 55-point lead.

Pearcedale, to its credit, never gave up, cutting the margin to 19 points at the final siren...Devon winning 15.11 (101) to 12.10 (82).

It was Devon Meadows’ first win in a final since 1997.

Paddy Ryder kicks his first on Sunday.

...and celebrates with Trent Cody.

“We thought we needed to get one back on them from what they did to us last year in the final, so it was good to return the favour,’’ Devon Meadow coach Ryan Hendy said.

“The boys were really determined and up for the challenge yesterday.

“We put a focus on starting well, they came out firing.’’

Ryder, who re-signed with Devon Meadows for season 2024 during the week, finished with seven goals, a brilliant effort in his first game back after missing four weeks with a knee injury.

Rarely venturing far from the goal square, he was unstoppable in the air and looked thoroughly determined as he celebrated each goal with a loud, “c’mon”.

Kent finished with three goals in another polished and dashing display.

Kent visited renowned masseur ‘Dr Death’, or Garry McDonell, in Rye during the week and took the field fit and firing.

“He went into the game under a real injury cloud with his groin,’’ Hendy said of Kent.

“He was touch and go whether he’d get up for Sunday but he’s a professional when it comes to recovery and he did all the right things and got himself up. He got through the game feeling really good.’’

Joel Hillis and Nick Battle were also among the Panthers best, along with Daniel Hellyer and “the other Paddy”, Patrick Harmes.

Nick Battle.

Joel Hillis.

Former Narre Warren premiership captain Trent Cody caught the eye with flashes of brilliance, including a goal on the run in the first term.

Dynamic small forward Alex Canal was also influential, hitting Ryder with a lace-out pass early.

Devon Meadows’ win reversed last season’s elimination final result when Pearcedale claimed victory.

Pearcedale was always playing catch-up on Sunday after Devon’s screaming start. Cruiz West kicked five goals for the Dales and Luke Daniel four, while Ryan Bastinac, Callum Culton, Archie McGuiness and Jordan Bastinac were among their best.

Devon Meadows faces Karingal in Sunday’s first semi-final and Hendy said his side would be at full strength.

“The boys have got a bit of self belief out of that result, especially that first half I think they’ll grow a lot of confidence,’’ he said.

“It was the first finals probably 90 percent of those blokes have had in their life.

“To get a finals win will be really good for their confidence and hopefully we can do it all again on Sunday.’’

Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was Devon’s first win in a final since 1997.

“It was a really good feeling in the rooms after the win, there were a lot of supporters who have been around for a long time and there was a bit of relief to finally win one,’’ Hendy said.

“We think we can get a snowball effect going now. We believe that when we play our best footy it matches up on anyone. We’ve definitely got the talent, it’s just wither we can get it all ready to mix for the next three weeks.

“I honestly reckon the boys are up and about and they’re ready to take on anything at the moment.’’