MPFNL 2023: Seth Kelly, Darcy Hope outstanding in Karingal’s win over Somerville

Karingal coach Luke Forsyth says his side can now charge towards finals after roaring back to winning form in MPFNL Division 2.

Karingal celebrate their win at Somerville. Picture: Facebook

Karingal got its season back on track with a fast-finishing 17-point win over Somerville in Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 2 on Saturday.

The Bulls were outplayed early before mounting a resolute fightback, kicking 11 goals to three in the second half for a rousing 15.19 (109) to 14.8 (92) victory, snapping a three-game losing streak — all in club favourite Cal Dixon’s 250th game.

After trailing by 39 points at half-time, Karingal gritted its teeth and rediscovered the form that saw it win its opening 10 games of the season.

Callan Dixon in his 250th game. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Karingal ruckman Agape Patolo and Somerville’s Nick D'Arcy. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Seth Kelly ignited Karingal with two goals in as many minutes in the last quarter, while Bulls power forward Darcy Hope was instrumental with five goals.

Ruckman Agape Patolo was also outstanding, along with Alex Frawley, Sam Glenn and milestone man Dixon.

The Bulls’ first win in almost a month triggered rousing scenes in the rooms after the game.

“Oh, mate, I’ve never seen a song sung with so much emotion,’’ Karingal coach Luke Forsuth said.

“There would have been a hundred people in the rooms waiting for us and it was just caked in red and white everywhere and I reckon there were a hundred people singing the song, it was amazing.

“As a club we looked at as a real chance for all three sides to make a statement and soar towards finals, so to walk away with three wins sets our year up now.’’

Karingal coach Luke Forsyth. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Forsyth admitted his side had been in a mid-season “rut”, and it had tested everyone at the club.

“We had some pretty honest chats with each other on what we want to get out of the year,’’ he said.

“It was just really pleasing for me, I’m proud of the boys and I reckon we can really leverage off a game like that.

“Somey one of our biggest challengers in a really even comp, they’re not easy to beat at home.’’

Forsyth said Kelly’s influence late in the game was vital.

“Seth Kelly’s last quarter, he was moving around like Chris Judd out there,’’ he said.

“I think he kicked three goals and had three goal assists and I reckon he would have laid four or five tackles off a half forward flank.’’

Karingal’s Robbie Hill. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Karingal players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Forsyth said the Bulls threw Connor Leslie and Rob Hill into the middle and together with Frawley and Josh Bradley they took control.

“Those four in the middle, I don’t think we lost a clearance in the last quarter so they created a lot of momentum for us,’’ he said.

For Somerville, Corey Battams and Lachlan Sharp kicked four goals apiece, while Kane McKenzie, Tom Murphy, Nick D’Arcy and Luke Burton were among the best.

Karingal hosts Pearcedale, which has won four on the bounce, next round.

Somerville, third, faces Edi-Asp next.