MPFNL Division 1: Simon Goosey returns to Mornington as opponent

Country footy legend Simon Goosey will be confronted with a first on Saturday when he returns to The Kennel, as Pines looks to continue its winning run in MPFNL Division 1.

Simon Goosey gives Pines champion Beau Hendry a hug after last weekend’s win over Rosebud. Picture: Darcy Swayn

Country footy legend Simon Goosey will be confronted with a first on Saturday.

He will return to Mornington’s Alexandra Park — his football “home”. But for the first time he will be on the opposition, as part of Pines’ coaching team.

“The Goose” will be plotting a Dogs defeat and he admits, “it will be strange”.

“I’m a competitor, so I’m going there to do a job,” Goosey said ahead of the Mornington Peninsula league Division 1 Round 5 encounter between Mornington and Pines.

Goosey kicked over 1600 goals at an average of close to six goals a game at Mornington and also coached the Bulldogs to four premierships.

Simon Goosey at Mornington. Picture: Colleen Petch.

The scoreboard at “The Kennel’’ is named after him and he knows every blade of grass on the ground.

“Fifteen years as coach, nearly 20 years as player,” Goosey said.

“I suppose when it’s been part of your life for that long, I’ll always be Mornington.”

Goosey joined Pines this season on the urgings of his great mate Paddy Swayn, the Pythons’ senior coach.

He’s been working one-on-one with Pines’ forwards and it’s no coincidence the Pythons have been scoring more heavily this season.

“The boys love him,” Swayn said.

“We’ve gone from averaging just under 60 points last year and this year we are up in the nineties. On the weekend we kicked 15 (goals). He’s definitely had an impact.”

Simon Goosey is chaired off the ground by Chris Holcombe and Murray Peel in 2005. Picture: Chris Eastman 050820

Just like the old days, the Goose hopes to be singing a victory song at Mornington on Saturday.

“I’m there to do a job for Pines,’’ he said.

“I’m embracing everything about Pines. Paddy was pretty persistent. It’s got my enjoyment back. I love the group I’m working with.”

Pines are chasing a fourth successive win after ending ladder leader Rosebud’s unbeaten run last week, while Mornington has shown plenty of promise despite its win-loss record standing at 0-4.

MPFNL Division 1 ladder: Rosebud 16, Edithvale-Aspendale 16, Langwarrin 16, Frankston YCW 12, Pines 12, Dromana 8, Sorrento 8, Mt Eliza 4, Mornington 0, Red Hill 0.