MPFNL 2023: Pines stun Frankston YCW in Division 1

Ex-AFL Hawk and Saint Shane Savage was in mint form as Pines stormed home to beat reigning premiers Frankston YCW on their home turf.

Max Urwin was one of Pines’ best players in their 28-point win over Frankston YCW. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pines coach Paddy Swayn says it was “right up there” with his side’s best wins in recent years.

The Pythons’ fast-finishing 28-point over longtime rivals Frankston YCW at Jubilee Park on Saturday was full of grit, determination and class.

“They kicked three goals in the first four minutes before we got the ball in our front half,” Swayn said.

Pines clawed their way back and trailed by only five points at three-quarter time.

With a whiff of an upset hanging in the air, the Pythons stormed home with six goals to one in the last quarter to prevail 14.5 (89) to 9.7 (61).

It was Pines’ first win at Frankston YCW since 2018, when the Pythons won the premiership.

“Not many teams get to sing the song there do they?” Swayn said.

“So it’s right up there.

“And we’re still young, too. We’ve still got a lot of young guys in that team finding their way.”

Jacob Boyle.

Pines celebrate their win. Picture: Facebook

Former Hawthorn and St Kilda midfielder Shane Savage was outstanding all game in the midfield, while Max Urwin, Guy Hendry and young gun Ned Moodie also were vital.

Moodie took a huge contested mark and slotted a goal late in the second quarter as Pines fought back.

Ruckman Russell Gabriel was influential along with speedster Nick Braund.

Pines’ backline stood up, with Jacob Boyle continuing his good form.

Swayn said moving Jon Hughes on to YCW’s league medalist Blake Mullane after half-time helped change the momentum.

“They were getting on top I reckon,” he said.

“We changed a few things up and got it back our way.

“Jon Hughes went to Mullane, tagged him.

“We got on a roll.”

Frankston YCW’s second successive loss was further tarnished by a knee injury to young ruckman Zac Tobin.

The Stonecats are already without regular ruckman Zach Barrett, with a foot injury. Jimmy Cahill, Elijah Owen and Lane Meyer were named in YCW’s best.

Pines (2-3) have climbed to sixth spot on the Division 1 ladder and face Rosebud and Red Hill in the next two rounds.

Pines star Khyal Jacobson made a successful comeback from a knee reconstruction on Saturday, named best-on-ground in the reserves.