MPFNL 2023: Sorrento makes early signings and chases finals berth
A resurgent Sorrento is within touching distance of a finals berth in MPFNL Division 1, and has revealed some early recruiting news.
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Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke says “it’s nice to have it in our own hands”.
He’s referring to the Sharks’ finals destiny.
A form resurgence, coupled with the Frankston Bombers’ loss of points because of a player points breach, has seen Sorrento climb back to fifth spot with one round remaining in MPFNL Division 1.
Sorrento, with a 9-8 record, is equal on points with Frankston, but has a better percentage.
The Sharks beat Bonbeach by 43 points on Saturday, with Shannon Gladman turning in yet another best-on-ground performance.
Sorrento hosts ladder leaders Dromana in Saturday’s last round, while the Bombers meet Mt Eliza.
Poholke says his team will be close to full strength for the crucial match — Liam McKenna will return from a hamstring injury — and will “crack in’’.
“It has been a long, frustrating year but it’s good the boys are getting some reward and regardless of what happens this week we are going to crack in and give it our best shot,” he said.
“If we beat Dromana, fantastic. If Frankston get the job done then they’ve earned the right to play finals. They’ve given us a chance they didn’t want to give us but hopefully we can grab it with both hands.
“There will be a lot of people holding onto their phones (and checking scores) at halftime and three quarter time this week.”
Poholke was reappointed coach for 2024 last month and has already done plenty of work on bolstering the playing list.
“We’ve got some good recruits all locked away and signed up which is really nice,” he said.
“They’ll come out post season, they’ve got some footy to play.
“The whole list has been retained, everyone’s re signed. We’re a happy place down here at the moment, we’re winning games of footy and everyone’s preparing to dream.”
There is speculation a ball-magnet midfielder from an MPFNL club and a ruckman are among Sorrento’s 2024 signings.
Meanwhile, Dromana bounced back from its first loss of the season to beat Pines by 30 points, 13.11 (89) to 8.11 (59), on Saturday.
The Tigers conceded the first four goals but stormed back with seven goals in the third quarter to take control.
The win came at a cost for Dromana, though, with ruckman Billy Geurts reported and Sam Fletcher appearing to injure his knee.
Jake Aarts was best afield, while Sam Fowler kicked four goals and Ethan Johnstone three. Dean Waugh, in his 100th game, Josh Geurts and Nick Collier was also in the best.
Dane Swan and Aaron Edwards (three goals) were named Pines’ best.
Red Hill scored a rousing five-point win over Frankston Bombers to mark a special occasion for the club.
Three Hillmen legends, Harry Larwill, Marcus Dal Lago and Daniel McNamara, played their last home game, while Chris Irving (250 MPNFL games) reached a milestone. Dal Lago played his 200th game.
Red Hill gripped on to win 9.6 (60) to 8.7 (55), with Tom Slattery, Liam Reilly, Daniel Frampton, Simon Allsop, Harry Sullivan and Josh Clayton in the best.
Matthew Cumming fired off six goals to help Rosebud to a 54-point win over Langwarrin, 14.13 (97) to 6.7 (43). Liam Tidd, Billy Wilson, Stephen Cumming, Reid Nanscawen and Nic Sakalis were also in the Buds’ best.
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