MPFNL Division 1: Langwarrin upsets Frankston YCW

A youthful Langwarrin outfit has claimed a stirring upset win and climbed off the bottom of the MPFNL Division 1 ladder. Here’s how they did it.

Kylan Mitchell (left) and Charlie Orchard made their senior debuts for Langwarrin on Saturday. Pic: Facebook

A youthful Langwarrin outfit has claimed a stirring upset win and climbed off the bottom of the MPFNL Division 1 ladder with a sizzling 51-point win over Frankston YCW at John Coburn Oval on Saturday.

Langy stunned the Stonecats with a nine-goal first-half blitz before running away with it, 14.11 (95) to 6.7 (44).

Matthew Peynenborg was brilliant up forward with six goals, while 18-year-old debutant Kylan Mitchell slotted two to spark the visitors.

The Kangaroos also found inspiration from ball magnet Zach Andrewartha, Collingwood VFL-lister Chad Mulvogue and whole-hearted ruckman Matthew Naughton, who was playing his first senior game of the season.

Kylan Mitchell. Picture: Paul Churcher

Matt Naughton. Picture: Paul Churcher

Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard said the victory confirms his belief that “we’re not that far away”.

“We’ve put a big emphasis on our youth,” Beard said.

“I think we had 15 players with under 10 games experience which is extraordinary really.

“The boys’ tackle pressure was fantastic and we executed well and probably for the first time this year we kicked really well at goal.

“Big Red (Naughton) came in and played his first senior game of the season and gave us first use which was outstanding and the boys in the middle were able to capitalise.

“We were on the bottom of the ladder but the belief is there. We’ve had an opportunity to win five games this season and we’ve only won two. We know that we’re not that far away, we just know that there’s too many gaps between our good and our bad.

“And there was just a big focus on closing that gap leading into the game.”

Mitch Cuthbert takes a kick for Langy. Picture: Paul Churcher

Beard also praised Langy’s backline, led by Mitch Cuthbert.

“The whole backline was fantastic but Mitch Cuthbert stood tall, he was amazing,’’ he said.

“(Nick) Hammill played his first game down back and was just a general down there.

“Up forward, Penyo, who’s had a pretty good season, found his range and was slotting them from everywhere. We talk about it all the time with him, he’s had a lot of nearly games but he took some big strong marks and went back and converted.”

First-gamer Kylan Mitchell ignited Langy with two long set-shot goals, the first from outside 50m silencing the Stonecats crowd.

“They were giving it to him,” Beard said.

“I think they were telling him he might have been a bit too far out, he was dreaming. And he went back and slotted it. It was good for him, he’s a beautiful kick for goal.”

Beard said the other debutant Charlie Orchard went to a half back flank and “just looked like he’d been there for a long time. He was super reliable’’.

“It’s been our 18, 19 and 20 year olds who’ve led the way with their tackle pressure,” he said.

“Harry Tully comes into the side two weeks ago and he’s had 30 tackles in two weeks for a 19 year old kid, YCW is his former club, he comes and plays midfield for four quarters and does a fantastic job.’’