MPFNL: Devon Meadows’ Joel Hillis racks up colossal stats in win over Seaford

A Mornington Peninsula league coach believes there’s no point tagging his star player, who racked up huge stats on Saturday and could be charging towards a league medal.

Joel Hillis is having a superb season for Devon Meadows. Picture: Doug Farr

He was already having a “massive’’ season but Devon Meadows jet Joel Hillis rose to new heights on Saturday, racking up 52 disposals.

The Panthers vice-captain was unstoppable as Devon dispatched Seaford 12.18 (90) to 7.4 (46) in Mornington Peninsula Division 2.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger season from a player,” Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy said.

“He’s been absolutely massive.”

Hillis had 30 kicks and 22 handballs, including 33 effective disposals and 22 contested possessions.

Joel Hillis. Picture: Doug Farr

Dean Kent.

Hendy said Hillis, who has also kicked 39 goals this season to be third in the competition, often flys under the radar and deserves to be one of the favourites to win the league medal.

“If Joel wasn’t right up there in the league medal I’d be very, very surprised,” he said.

“I don’t know if he’s had a game when he’s had under 25 touches.

“He’s definitely gone to another level. He’s so strong. Sides try and tag him but he’s one of those untaggable type of players.

“When you play someone on him he’s too strong. He’s really good overhead, breaks tackles and obviously kicks goals. A very smart footballer.

“He knows how to turn it on to get the boys going. There’s not many flaws in his game that’s for sure.”

Ex-AFL star Paddy Ryder made his return to the Devon Meadows side on Saturday and kicked a goal, despite being double teamed. “He got through, no dramas,” Hendy said.

Dean Kent was also in everything, along with young gun Jack Wilson, Riley Simmons and Alex Canal, who kicked three goals. Ty Kirkwood also slotted three.

Devon Meadows, 12-3, is in second spot on the MPFNL Division 2 ladder with three rounds to go.

The Panthers host ladder leaders Edithvale-Aspendale next weekend. Their clash earlier in the season was decided by a point, with Edi-Asp winning.

Meanwhile, Somerville jumped into the top five with a 59-point win over Pearcedale, 12.16 (86) to 3.11 (29). The Eagles started fast and kept Pearcedale goalless until the last quarter to make it six wins in a row. Corey Battams shone in the gloom with four goals while Lochie Fewster, Lachlan Williams, Miller Stewart, Ben Kaddatz and Aiden Finn were in everything.

*Kalani Ryan capped a best-on-ground display with two goals as Rye led throughout to beat Tyabb 7.13 (55) to 2.8 (20). Dylan Allen also slotted two goals while Brady Egan, who returned from East Brighton last month, impressed and Taylor Ward, Tom Hughes and Zac Jennings were influential.

*Edithvale-Aspendale put the whip to Bonbeach at Regents Park, winning 18.8 (116) to 3.10 (28). St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers recruit Jack Turner kicked four goals for Edi-Asp, who counted Charlie Martello as their best player.

*Former league medal winner Todd Gardiner again led the way for Chelsea in its win over Crib Point, 10.9 (69) to 5.8 (38). Zane Carter, Baxter Knight and Brendan Lord kicked two goals apiece for the 12-3 Gulls.

*Hastings beat Karingal by 26 point, with young gun Kade Foster booting four goals.