MPFNL Division 2: Crib Point edges Somerville to improve record to 5-2

Crib Point coach Duane Annable used the F-word after his side’s gripping one-point victory over Somerville. Elsewhere, a 17-year-old had 37 disposals as Seaford banked successive wins.

Brad Arnold helped turn the game for Crib Point. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Crib Point coach Duane Annable used the F-word word after his young side’s gripping one-point victory over Somerville on Saturday.

“Finals is a realistic expectation now for us,” he said after the Magpies edged last season’s grand finalists 12.12 (84) to 12.11 (83) to improve their record to 5-2.

Cribby came from 22 points behind at halftime, storming back with a four-goal-to-one third quarter.

On debut, Jett Wilson put Crib Point in front in the last quarter with his second goal of the afternoon before a tense, scoreless arm wrestle ensued in the last eight minutes.

The siren finally sounded to give Crib Point — the competition’s most improved team — its most crucial win of the season.

Best-on-ground Liam Tyrrell kicked five goals, continuing his emergence as a defender turned key forward.

Ball magnet Josh Le Grice had 40 possessions — 26 of them contested — and kicked a goal.

Jett Wilson kicked two goals in his senior debut.

Nathan Kraulis impressed on debut.

Miles Shepherd had 29 touches and took a huge mark in the last quarter to cap another splendid game, while Jett Bauer and Tim Cook were also among the best. Wilson has returned to footy after a five-year absence and shows exciting signs.

Daniel Marshall was electric for Somerville, kicking five goals, and Kane McKenzie and Lachlan Haskett also impressed for the 3-4 Eagles.

Annable knows a thing or two about getting the best out of Crib Point.

The 46-year-old has had two previous stints as senior coach at the Magpies, with success.

In fact, the past two times Crib Point made finals was when Annable was in charge, in 2004 and 2014.

He’s hoping the trend continues in 2024.

“We’ve got a pretty young group,” he said.

“Most of our guys are only 23. So, I don’t know, some of them are probably close to coming into their best footy. I don’t know if they’re there yet but I think there’s still a huge amount of upside for our group. It’s really exciting.”

Crib Point gave a debut to another youngster on Saturday, first-year under-19 Nathan Kraulis, who kicked a vital goal in the third term.

“He’s going to be huge for us for the next 10 years,” Annable said.

Crib Point also has a sprinkle of older guys, notably ruckman Peder Whelan and captain Brad Arnold.

On Whelan, Annable said: “At 37 or 38 , he’s been immense for us, the boys love him.”

“And BA…he went into the middle after halftime and turned the game for us,” Annable said.

Annable said Crib Point was looking to add “a couple more pieces for depth’’ before the clearance window closes.

“If we can get a bit of a run on in that back end of the year and some momentum and sneak into the finals, who knows…,’’ Annable said.

Seaford coach Rohan Bleeker addressing his players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In other games:

*Seaford 17-year-old Archie Hough had 37 possessions and kicked two goals as the Tigers beat Tyabb 17.10 (110) to 6.9 (69) to make it two wins in a row. Frankston VFL-lister Will Kennedy, Rohan Bleeker, Jak Nardino, Hugh Park and Angus Giddings-Constable were also vital for the Tigers.

*Ishak Bashir had 35 touches and kicked three goals as Edithvale-Aspendale beat Pearcedale 14.14 (98) to 11.14 (80). Nick Carlon slotted four goals for the 6-1 Eagles. For Pearcedale, Jake Frawley, Ryan Bastinac and Kaolan Thornton did well.

Ex-Melbourne listed Liam Hulett kicked five goals as Bonbeach overcame Karingal 10.11 (71) to 9.8 (62). Jack Bailey, Justin Bennett, Jet Peckett and Liam McKenna were in everything for the Sharks.

Undefeated Chelsea coasted to victory over Hastings 22.15 (147) to 5.5 (35), with Jack Francis and Anthony Beale kicking six goals apiece.

A white-hot Joel Hillis kicked seven goals to fire Devon Meadows to victory over Rye, 22.15 (147) to 7.9 (51).