MPFNL Division 1: Frankston Bombers hit back after ‘pretty stern’ review

The Bombers have produced a stirring win in MPFNL Division 1, with an ex-AFL forward putting on an absolute goalkicking clinic.

Jarrad Grant slotted six goals for the Bombers on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ex-Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns forward Jarrad Grant slotted six goals as the Frankston Bombers edged Sorrento by three points to take a giant stride towards a finals berth in MPFNL Division 1 on Saturday.

After back-to-back losses, the Bombers played with great spirit to keep their noses in front in a tense finish, prevailing 13.8 (86) to 12.11 (83), at David McFarlane Reserve.

A white-hot Grant was well supported by Jai Block (three goals) and teenager Wilson Fletcher (one) in the forward line.

“He was outstanding yesterday,’’ Frankston Bombers coach John Brown said of Grant.

“I don’t think he took one mark and yet kicked six goals...because of the conditions, his body work and his craft work when the ball hit the ground was elite. It was just a real difference in the game yesterday.’’

Jai Block.

Frankston Bombers coach John Brown.

Brown said Grant, who has kicked 31 goals this season, was setting high standards on and off the ground.

“We’ve got 11 players under 21 playing senior football at the moment and I think he’s enjoying the opportunity to develop these young players while he’s out there playing,’’ Brown said.

“And I think that’s just added a pep in his step so to speak.

“He’s really digging deeper...even in our meetings he’s just really explaining and educating them. So it’s been good.’’

Frankston Bombers ruckman Harry Prior dominated and Ryan Marks-Logan down back had an outstanding game, intercepting and providing rebound.

Chase Harris and Mitchel Charles were also in the best for the Bombers, who are now three games clear in fifth spot.

And after 12 years of football at Sorrento’s ground, it was Bombers defender Jarryd Amalfi’s first win down there.

“He told us at the end of the game and we were all a bit blown away,’’ Brown said.

“It’s always tough down there so it was a really important win for us, in the context of our season.

“We certainly responded quite well, we had a pretty stern review around the group and the boys really responded.’’

Brown said the 8-5 Bombers would “continue to press forward’’, hunting a finals berth.

“We’ve just got to keep plugging away, one week at a time, and we’ve got another important game this week at home against Langwarrin,’’ he said.

Guy Hendry and Ben Crocker.

Pines' Guy Hendry hits the turf.

In other Division 1 matches:

*Pines made it five wins in a row and climbed to third spot after overcoming a determined Langwarrin by 23 points, 12.8 (80) to 8.9 (57). Collingwood champion Dane Swan was among Pines’ best after driving back from the Gold Coast the night before. Pythons big man Guy Hendry was involved in several heated clashes with Langy’s ex-AFL forward Ben Crocker in the opening quarter. Aaron Edwards slotted three goals for the winners. Pines coach Paddy Swayn said Hendry was his side’s best player in the game. “Langy were up for the fight,’’ Swayn said. “It’s a good comp, every week you’ve got to be on. I just thought when it was there to be won in the last quarter we went up another level.’’

*Jake Aarts’ Dromana has kept its unbeaten record in tact with a gripping one-point win over reigning premiers Frankston YCW at John Coburn Oval. The former AFL-Tiger kicked a goal and was named Dromana’s best in the 5.13 (43) to 6.6 (42) victory. Dromana defenders Luke Oborn and Dean Waugh were also key contributors in a tense and goalless final quarter.

*Former AFL-Saints Trent Dennis-Lane and Sam Dunell kicked three goals apiece as Bonbeach led throughout to beat Red Hill by 13 points, 8.8 (56) to 6.7 (43). Ben McLean, Matthew Douglas and Mitchell Gent were also instrumental in the Sharks’ second win of the season, keeping their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. “It was a good old fashion slog on a slippery and wet Red Hill,’’ Bonbeach coach Adrian Connolly said. “We managed a three goal lead until Red Hill hit back to be a goal down at the 16 minute mark of the last quarter. I was proud we dug in and found a way to win. Both teams would be proud of their efforts on a tough day.’’