MPFNL Division 1: Adam Tomlinson sizzles in Sorrento debut as Sharks beat Pines

The opposition coach’s happy demeanour changed when he spotted Adam Tomlinson before the game, and the ex-AFL gun put on a show for Sorrento in the MPFNL.

Adam Tomlinson at the Sorrento huddle. Picture: Simon McEvoy

The imposing figure arriving at the ground just after midday caught the attention of Pines coach Paddy Swayn.

He looked familiar, thought Swayn.

Yep, it was Adam Tomlinson, the ex-AFL Demon and Giant — and he was there to play for Sorrento, against Swayn’s Pythons.

“He rocked up and I was like, ‘that’s Adam Tomlinson. Don’t tell me’,” Swayn said.

“Then I looked at the (VFL) draw and I was like, sh.., North Melbourne has a bye, he’s playing!”

Pines can’t catch a break. The Pythons were already hit hard by injuries, especially to their big man stocks, and seeing 193cm Tomlinson pull on a Sorrento jumper was not ideal.

But it was great for the Sharks. Tomlinson turned in a blinder, gathering 43 disposals and taking 13 marks in a best-on-ground display as Sorrento powered clear to win 14.13 (97) to 10.13 (73) at Eric Bell Reserve.

Pines began like a rocket, kicking 3.4 before Sorrento had scored.

The Pythons led by 20 points at half-time, but then it turned.

Big “Tommo” was moved into the middle in the third term as Sorrento kicked 7.3 in the premiership quarter to take control.

“He killed us, his stoppage work, he just cleared the ball out...he was pretty good,’’ Swayn said of Tomlinson.

Adam Tomlinson takes a kick for Sorrento. Picture: Simon McEvoy

Jordan Doherty wins a ruck tap out for Sorrento. Picture: Simon McEvoy

Tomlinson has been training with Sorrento on the occasional Thursday night, when the Roos’ VFL side has a bye.

“We knew what his leadership and direction was going to be but then to see it on game day...it was pretty good,” Sorrento coach James Hallahan said.

“Regardless of how he played — he was clearly best on ground, no dramas — but just his experience for the guys around him was invaluable.

“Like young Jordy Doherty in the ruck, Tommo was able to put his arm around him and help him with his game, where to position in ruck contests, how to position himself long down the line.

“And for the defensive group as well, learning off someone like that...he was very vocal in terms of setting us up behind the ball and instructive.

“There’s not too many 185 game AFL players who are still super fit, so to have him there was bloody awesome.’’

Tomlinson had 10 touches and laid four tackles and kicked a goal in that decisive third quarter.

Adam Tomlinson had 43 touches for Sorrento. Picture: Simon McEvoy

Sorrento’s other ex-AFL men Dylan Clarke and Ryan Clarke also ran rampant straight out of half-time.

Shannon Gladman and second-gamer Hooper Robinson kicked two goals apiece in the third term. Gladman finished the game with five, Robinson three.

Pines were missing their three bigs, Beau and Guy Hendry and Russell Gabriel — all out injured.

“So we knew if we could get it in (to the forward line) we could put pressure on them, and that’s what happened,’’ Hallahan said.

“It was just an onslaught in the third quarter. We were essentially able to play it in our half...‘Tommo’ definitely helped that. He’s a big boy.’’

Sorrento is 3-5 and faces top-of-the-ladder Rosebud on Saturday.

The Sharks will regain Chad Harris from suspension, Tom Cameron from injury and maybe James Bridgen for the crunch game.

“I think Rosebud are gettable if we can get it right,’’ Hallahan said.

Kirk Dickson of Rosebud marks. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Also on Saturday, Rosebud asserted its authority with an all-the-way win over Edithvale-Aspendale, 13.12 (90) to 5.11 (41). Will Gown, Robert Bos, Nick Mason, Noah Powell and Nick Russo were in everything for the Buds.

Mt Eliza turned a quarter-time deficit of nine points into a 26-point victory over Dromana, with Damian Mascitti capping a best-on-ground display with three goals. Ryan Morrison kicked six goals for Dromana. “It was a nice to scratch out a win,’’ Redlegs coach Rikki Johnston said.

Riley D’Arcy and Darcy Murr kicked three goals apiece in Frankston YCW’s 14.11 (95) to 8.11 (59) win over Mornington. The Stonecats got on top in the last quarter, kicking six-goals-to-one, with Lachlan Bryce, Bailey Fry and Luke Smaluch having a big say in the win.

Matthew Peynenborg and Harry Money slotted three goals apiece as Langwarrin beat Red Hill by 36 points. Jack Orchard, Joel Bateman and Ben Hopkins were also influential for the Kangaroos.