MPFNL Division 1: VFL guns and ‘best ruckman in comp’ ignite Pines

A Pines champion was paid the ultimate compliment after helping the Pythons claim another big scalp in MPFNL Division 1, while a former AFL star fired Edi-Asp to victory and a young gun sizzled for Sorrento.

Lachlan Sharpe (No. 25) and Guy Hendry shake hands in the rooms after Pines' win on Saturday. Picture: Darcy Swayn

The season is only a month old but already Pines are racking up the big scalps.

The Pythons toppled ladder leaders Rosebud on Saturday to continue to put their hand up as a genuine contender in MPFNL Division 1.

They probably should be undefeated.

In Round 1, Pines coughed up a seven-goal lead to lose by three points to Langwarrin, but they’ve since beaten reigning premier Mt Eliza, highly-rated Frankston YCW and Rosebud.

On Saturday, Pines turned a 22-point three quarter time deficit into a 12-point win, 15.8 (98) to 13.8 (86), at Eric Bell Reserve.

And it was the Pythons’ VFL experienced players who flicked the switch when the game was on the line.

Frankston Dolphins forward Lachlan Sharp kicked five goals, including three from set shots, as well as taking some strong marks.

Former Richmond VFL player Cam Olden turned the game in the second half when he was thrown on to the ball.

Pines ruckman Russell Gabriel. Picture: Simon McEvoy

And ruckman Russell Gabriel showed his class with a masterclass display against Rosebud twins Stephen and Matt Cumming.

“Russell’s got to be the best ruckman in the comp,“ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

“His ball skills, for a big fella, are great…he can manipulate the ball.”

Swayn also praised star defender Kane McKenzie, who kept Rosebud spearhead Blake Kuipers to one goal (Kuipers had kicked 23 goals in four games before Saturday).

“And that was after keeping Riley D’Arcy goalless last week,” Swayn said.

“That goes a long way.”

The win, though, came at a cost for Pines, with Jayden Adams breaking his collarbone after remonstrating with Rosebud captain Campbell Hustwaite.

“He will miss a fair bit of footy,” Swayn said.

It was Rosebud’s first loss of the season but the Buds remain on top of the ladder.

Brothers Callum and Mitchell White were best for them, combining for seven goals.

James Hallahan kicked five goals for Sorrento. Picture: Simon McEvoy

RECRUITS IMPRESS FOR SHARKS

Sorrento’s new ruckman Matthew Peric was named best-afield in the Sharks’ whopping win over Red Hill, 21.10 (136) to 7.9 (51). Peric, who played at Alexandra in the Outer East league last season, capped his impressive game with two goals. Former Vic Country U18 rep Jordan Doherty also had a break-out game, kicking two goals. Macorna recruit Malcolm Neiwand was also named in the Sharks’ best, while Sorrento coach James Hallahan kicked five goals.

LAMBERT KICKS FOUR

Frankston YCW hit their straps, defeating Langwarrin 13.16 (94) to 7.8 (50). The Stonecats found inspiration from Brenton Lambert, who kicked four goals, Luca Goonan, Luke Paynter, Jaxson Mead and Casey Demons VFL player Lachlan Bryce. It was Langwarrin’s first loss in 2025, after their hot 4-0 start. The Kangas’ best were Bryce Rutherford, Jack Orchard and Joel Bateman

TIGERS TAME DOGS

Champions Billy Geurts and Sam Fowler had a big say in Dromana’s 17.12 (114) to 15.3 (93) success over Mornington. Fowler slotted four goals as the Tigers improved their record to 2-3. Mornington showed it’s close to a win, with Kai Owens, Thomas Payne and Jack Galvin turning in strong games.

VICKERY BAGS SIX

Ex-Richmond and Hawthorn forward Tyrone Vickery slotted six goals as Edithvale-Aspendale overcame Mt Eliza 15.8 (98) to 11.14 (80). In a battle of the 2024 premiership winning teams, the Eagles (who the won Division 2 flag) kicked 8.1 in the opening quarter and then withstood a challenge from the Redlegs. Kyle Parrott kicked two goals in the first term for Edi-Asp and midfielder Lewis Diggins was among the best players.