MPFNL 2025: new contenders, big calls, players to watch

The Mornington Peninsula league season kicks off on Saturday. Here’s a look at each club, key players and predictions in Division 1 and 2.

Ishak Bashir with the ball for Edithvale-Aspendale in the 2024 MPFNL Division 2 grand final against Chelsea. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza’s premiership party last September had all the emotion that comes with ending a 19-year flag drought.

The fast and furious Redlegs zoomed off with the top-division crown, stunning previous title holder Dromana in the grand final at Frankston Park.

Now Mt Eliza is plotting a ferocious follow-up season, with master coach Rikki Johnston determined to make this a mighty Mountie era.

Retention, rather than recruits, has been the Redlegs’ theme over summer, and they’ll take a settled and still-emerging squad into 2025.

Other clubs have recruited well, though, and will come hard at Mt Eliza.

Finlay Bayne with the ball for Mt Eliza. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston YCW has welcomed several VFL players, including Frankston Dolphins defender Max Williams. He will complement the Stonecats, led by power forward Riley D’Arcy, who fired off 66 majors in 2024.

Rosebud made it to the second week of the finals last season. Six months on, the Buds have a stronger list, featuring two former VFL captains, Campbell Hustwaite and Mitch White. Somerville pair Lachlan Williams and Nick Mason are also key inclusions.

Kris Pendlebury’s Edithvale-Aspendale returns to the top-flight after hoisting the Division 2 flag on the back of a 19-game winning streak. The Eagles are expected to more than hold their own after securing several key recruits, most notably former Adelaide Crow Jordan Gallucci.

Sorrento has star power, with former Sydney Swan and North Melbourne player Ryan Clarke joining his brother Dylan Clarke (ex-Essendon) at the Sharks, who will be coached by James Hallahan.

Red Hill, finalists last season, is a club on the rise, with co-league medal winner Michael Griechen powering its engine room.

Zechariah Cuppens in action for Pines. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A hungry Pines is aiming for finals after missing the top-five in 2024, as are Mornington and Langwarrin. And don’t discount Dromana. Yes, the Tigers have lost some depth but they still have champions Billy Geurts, Sam Fowler and co.

In Division 2, Tyabb looks ready to make a run at the top-five after adding former Richmond ruckman Andrew Browne (203cm) as a playing assistant coach. Karingal, after losing a stack of players, is in for a rebuilding season under former Saints champ Nathan Burke. Dave Willett’s Chelsea went within a kick of winning the flag last year and looks like being the side to beat in 2025. Former Saint and Sorrento star Troy Schwarze makes a returns to coaching ranks, taking charge of Bonbeach. Pearcedale looks like being a strong contender yet again under co-coaches Peter Bastinac and Brett Eddy. Devon Meadows will again be a respected opponent, with league medal winners Joel Hillis and Nick Battle.

Jesse Davies celebrates a goal for Chelsea. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DIVISION 1

Dromana, Edithvale-Aspendale, Frankston YCW, Langwarrin, Mornington, Mt Eliza, Pines, Red Hill, Rosebud, Sorrento.

2024 premier: Mt Eliza

League B&F: Billy Geurts (Dromana) and Michael Griechen (Red Hill)

Leading goal kicker: Riley D’Arcy (Frankston YCW)

DIVISION 2

Bonbeach, Chelsea, Crib Point, Devon Meadows, Frankston Bombers, Hastings, Karingal, Pearcedale, Rye, Seaford, Somerville, Tyabb.

2024 premier: Edithvale-Aspendale

League B&F: Kurt Lo Po (Edi-Asp) and Joel Hillis (Devon Meadows)

Leading goal kicker: Brett Eddy (Pearcedale)

THE BIG CALLS

*Tyabb to play finals for the first time in 24 years.

*Ex-AFL Crow Jordan Gallucci to be the recruit of the season for Edi-Asp.

*The 100-goal milestone to be achieved in Division 2.

*Rosebud to emerge as a genuine contender.

*A former star to make a surprise comeback.

Kurt Lo Po with the ball for Edi-Asp. Picture: Valeriu Campan

PLAYERS TO WATCH

*Kurt Lo Po (Edi-Asp)

*Will Hose (Tyabb)

*Stephen Cumming (Rosebud)

*Charlie Robinson-Cay (Red Hill)

*Joel Hillis (Devon Meadows)

ROUND 1, Saturday, April 5:

Division 1: Frankston YCW v Dromana, Langwarrin v Pines, Mt Eliza v Sorrento, Rosebud v Red Hill, Mornington v Edi-Asp.

Division 2: Chelsea v Crib Point, Devon Meadows v Pearcedale, Frankston Bombers v Bonbeach, Hastings v Tyabb, Rye v Seaford, Somerville v Karingal.