MPFNL Division 1: Wise words fire Edi-Asp to stirring victory over Pines

Edithvale-Aspendale’s Thursday strategy session paved the way for a crucial away victory, while almost 100 possessions between three brothers fired Dromana to a vital win in MPFNL Division 1.

Kurt Lo Po gave a hard-tackling, relentless display for Edi-Asp on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The picture was painted on Thursday night.

The challenge was set.

And on Saturday, Edithvale-Aspendale executed the game plan to perfection to score its most important win since returning to MPFNL Division 1 this season — victory over Pines, at Pines.

The Eagles rushed to a 21-point lead at half time and went on to win 9.13 (67) to 8.4 (52).

Edi-Asp coach Kris Pendlebury revealed some Thursday night wisdom gave the Eagles belief ahead of their trip to the Snakepit, which is regarded as one of the toughest away games in the MPFNL.

“We’ve got a lot of guys at the club who have played there in previous seasons,” he said.

“Thursday night I got them in front of the group to talk about what to expect.

“It’s obviously a really hard place to play and win. We knew full well what to expect going in.”

Pines were going for a fifth straight win, and had the run of play early, but didn’t take their chances.

“In the first 10 minutes we went inside and had six good opportunities — good looks — and didn’t score,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

“They were just way too good for us the way they structured up, and we were just really poor with the ball. They deserved it.’’

Nick Carlon led from the front for Edi-Asp. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Edi-Asp midfielder Kurt Lo Po provided grunt with a fierce tackling, relentless display, capped off with a goal.

Likewise, Lewis Diggins and Kyle Yorke were influential for the Eagles, as was Tarkyn Wyett, who had 14 contested possessions.

Charlie Martello continued his excellent form off half back, while forward Max Walker and captain Nick Carlon took seven marks apiece.

Edi-Asp ruckman Alex Browne did well against Pines big man Russell Gabriel, who went off injured in the last quarter.

Pines also lost Guy Hendry (hand) to injury during the game.

Jarrod Gatt, after making his VFL debut for Casey Demons last week, returned to the Pythons side and racked up 35 disposals.

Edi-Asp have surged to 5-1 and to second spot, making the step up to the top flight with aplomb. Pendlebury said his side was learning on the run.

“The biggest learning curve we’ve taken away from the first six games is just the mentality,’’ he said.

“If you’re off one, two percent, teams can get on a roll and put a score on you pretty quickly so we’re learning every week. But I think we’re improving every week at the same time, so it’s been a pleasing start.’’

Luke Oborn was a strong target up forward for Dromana. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Luke Oborn slotted five goals as Dromana coasted to a 39-point win over Sorrento, 16.8 (104) to 9.11 (65). Sam Fowler was also electric for the Tigers with four goals and 28 touches, while brothers Billy, Sam and Josh Geurts had 97 disposals between them — Billy having 38.

Mt Eliza put its season back on track with an impressive 34-point win over Langwarrin. The reigning premiers, after just one win in the first five matches, looked sharp as they outscored Langy three goals to one in the second quarter to set up victory, 13.13 (91) to 8.9 (57). Tom Freeman kicked five goals for Mt Eliza, which counted Mitch Smith (10 marks and 23 possessions) as its best player.

Former AFL-Demon Matt Jones capped a best-on-ground performance with 34 disposals and eight marks as Mornington chalked up its first win of the season, beating Red Hill 11.4 (70) to 8.10 (58). Mitchell Bluhm, Jackson Voss, Jarrod Hicks and Ned Moodie also had a big say in the win. For Red Hill, Michael Griechen had 29 possessions, eight tackles and seven clearances.

Ex-league man Billy Hartung racked up 41 touches and Campbell Hustwaite 34 as Rosebud proved its premiership claims, beating Frankston YCW 11.9 (75) to 7.8 (50). Zac Maynard, Liam Tidd and Callum White (four goals) were also terrific for the 5-1, ladder leading Buds.