MPFNL Division 1: Richmond VFL-listed Nick Girolami looms as Mt Eliza inclusion

The Redlegs’ flag quest could be boosted by a VFL young gun ahead of the MPFNL Division 1 finals. Details:

Nick Girolami takes a mark for Mt Eliza last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza’s premiership quest is set for a pre-finals boost, with talented young player Nick Girolami on track to return from injury.

The 21-year-old, who is on Richmond’s VFL list, has been sidelined since March 31 when he suffered a fracture in his foot in the Tigers’ VFL win over the Sydney Swans.

He is set to resume running next week and could be back in a Mt Eliza jumper in the coming months.

“He’s unlikely to get back to Richmond this year so he might be one for us to get him up and running later in the season which would be bloody handy,’’ Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston said.

“He’s just back to getting a sign off to start running. It might work out perfectly for us.”

Girolami emerged as one of the best young talents in the Mornington Peninsula league last year.

His ability as a key back playing on both big and small opponents, as well as his high marking, earned him high praise.

Lachlan Williams flies for a mark for Mt Eliza.

Finlay Bayne.

Mt Eliza, 7-3, is in second spot on the MPFNL Division 1 ladder.

The Redlegs are the only side to have beaten reigning premier Dromana this season; they tamed the Tigers by 39 points in Round 2.

Johnston is confident Mt Eliza we can match it with Dromana.

“It’s about doing it on the big stage at the right time,’’ he said.

Mt Eliza’s last premiership was in 2005, when it defeated Frankston YCW by a record margin of 132 points.