MPFNL Division 1: Rosebud beats Frankston YCW to secure finals berth

Late season inclusions are set to turbo-charge Rosebud’s first-ever Mornington Peninsula Division 1 finals series — against another finals first-timer, Red Hill.

Blake Kuipers of Rosebud celebrates a goal. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Rosebud is set to welcome back former AFL Hawk and Kangaroo Billy Hartung for its do-or-die elimination final against Red Hill this weekend.

Hartung hasn’t played since rolling his ankle against Mt Eliza a month ago.

The Buds’ line-up will also include former Collingwood VFL captain Campbell Hustwaite, who played his first match in Rosebud’s seniors for the season on Saturday (following two reserves games) after recovering from a broken foot in a VFL state game in April.

His experience and leadership will be of great benefit to the Buds in the heat of a final.

Both Rosebud and Red Hill will contest their first ever Division 1 finals campaigns.

Stephen Cumming.

Jesse Dinicolantonio. (Photos by Josh Chadwick)

Rosebud secured fifth spot with a gripping six-point win over Frankston YCW on Saturday, Stephen Cumming, Jake Carosella and Reid Nanscawen impressing as the Buds booted four goals in the second quarter to set up their 6.8 (44) to 5.8 (38) victory.

“I feel like we’ve stumbled at securing that spot for the last probably five weeks,” Rosebud coach Danny Ades said.

“We’ve made it difficult for ourselves but it’s really positive…there were good signs from yesterday and we look forward to next week.”

Ades said Hustwaite was a late inclusion against YCW and got through unscathed.

“He actually came in as an emergency because Isaac Freene pulled out with a broken finger,’’ he said.

“He played restricted minutes...but he came in and had a voice, probably played fifty percent of game time, he was good.’’

Campbell Hustwaite will boost Rosebud’s finals campaign. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ades said Red Hill would be a tough opponent in the elimination final at Mt Eliza on Sunday.

“We played them two weeks ago, we learned a lot and I’m sure they did too,’’ he said.

“I really respect their coaching group, I think Jamie (Mollo) is a really good coach, I’m sure they’ll have something for us so we’ll do some work and hope it’s a good contest.”

Both Red Hill and Rosebud have 9-9 records in 2024.

Ades said the Buds were on the rise and thrilled to make finals, but not satisfied.

“Now that we’re here we hope to make some noise and we just don’t want to take part,’’ he said.

In other games from Round 18:

*Leigh Poholke kicked three goals and was named best afield as he led Sorrento to victory over Frankston Bombers, 18.13 (121) to 10.10 (70), in his last game as Sharks coach. Sorrento finished in sixth spot, while the Bombers dropped to the bottom and were relegated.

*Former West Adelaide player Clayton Gay slotted eight goals as Dromana took Langwarrin to the cleaners, 22.12 (144) to 4.7 (31). Gay has kicked 44 goals in 18 games this season.

*Mt Eliza powered clear of Pines after half-time to win 18.18 (126) to 8.6 (54). Jeremy Burton was in superb touch for the Redlegs, while Jasper O’Neill kicked four goals and Will Antonie and Mitch Smith three apiece; Smith’s goal in the second quarter was right out of the top drawer.

Division 1 finals this weekend:

Saturday: Qualifying Final: Mt Eliza v Frankston YCW, at Baxter Park, at 2.15pm.

Sunday: Elimination Final: Red Hill v Rosebud, at Madsen Reserve, at 2.15pm.