MPFNL 2024: Former Centrals Trinity Beach playing-coach Luke Morgan joins Mornington
Mornington has signed a former VFL on-baller ahead of its return to MPFNL Division 1.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Four months after winning the MPFNL Division 2 flag, Mornington has strengthened its list in readiness for a tilt at Division 1 in 2024.
The Bulldogs’ latest signing is Luke Morgan, a former Northern Bullants VFL on-baller with vast leadership experience.
The 35-year-old has been player-coach of Centrals Trinity Beach in the AFL Cairns league for the past three seasons.
He was credited with turning Centrals into a genuine force during his time there.
Morgan also led Wangaratta to a grand final in 2019 and Benalla to a premiership in 2015, as well as coaching at interleague level in Victoria.
As a teenager, Morgan played for the Murray Bushrangers where he was co-captain in their 2007 grand final team.
He’s arrived in Mornington to take up a teaching role as sports co ordinator at Padua College and said he chose the Mornington Bulldogs to continue his footy career, identifying them as a club “on the up”.
“That’s why I picked them,” Morgan said.
“Hopefully I can add a bit of experience.”
Mornington’s other key signings include Frankston Dolphins vice-captain Kai Owens, a 24-year-old midfielder tipped to dominate.
Mornington has also signed Frankston YCW’s four-time premiership defender and vice-captain Brenton Credlin and Bonbeach ruckman Angus Grant, who has played VFL for Frankston.
But Mornington has also had some key departures, with forward Jackson Calder signing with Dimboola, Harry Bould joining Seaford and Ryan Smith and Harri Dekleuver going to Crib Point.
Mornington playing-coach Josh Newman made a dream start to his coaching career last season, winning a premiership, the league medal and best-on-ground in the grand final as he guided the Bulldogs back to the top flight. It was the perfect season by the former VFL star.
Mornington faces Pines, away, in the opening round of the season on Saturday, April 6 before unfurling its flag in a home night game against Rosebud on April 13.
Ex-AFL stars, Lake’s flag bid: 25 WFNL storylines to watch
What impact will Bachar Houli and Lachie Hunter have, can Brian Lake lead Caroline Springs to a premiership and can the big recruiters make it work? These are 25 WFNL storylines to watch this year.
Golden Square sets the record straight on off-season rumours
Golden Square’s off-season has been plagued by rumours about its coach’s future and whether some players would stay onboard. The club address the talk.