MPFNL Division 2: Pearcedale beats Chelsea to make 2-0 start to season
Pearcedale is off to a flyer in MPFNL Division 2, with former Port Adelaide forward Brett Eddy slotting in as co-coach. He talks about his talented side, the ex-AFL player driving the Dales and “what’s possible this year’’.
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Brett Eddy is a new coach.
And he’s a happy one.
The former Port Adelaide AFL forward has slotted seamlessly into the co-coaching role at Pearcedale, with two rousing wins giving him the perfect start to life in the hot seat.
The Dales dispatched local rivals Devon Meadows in Rd 1 last week and on Saturday scored a comprehensive six-goal win over last season’s grand finalists Chelsea in front of a packed and parochial Pearcedale home crowd.
With Chelsea tipped to be a leading premiership contender it was a most impressive performance by the dynamic Dales.
Eddy denied it was a statement win. Rather, it was just good to pocket four points.
“It’s very early in the season, we just wanted to start the season well,” he said after kicking three goals in the 18.17 (125) to 13.11 (89) victory.
“Our first home game, it was a huge occasion for us. If someone had said we’ll be 2-0 at the (Easter) break we would have taken that, really happy.”
Eddy is sharing the coaching duties with the experienced Peter Bastinac, who’s coached the Dales for the past four years.
Eddy is learning all he can from the master coach, while admitting playing and coaching was proving to be “challenging”.
“You’ve still got to play your role and be a bit of an on field leader and make sure everyone is doing their job and being really focused on what they’ve got to do,” he said.
“Pete’s coaching really well. I think a bit more pressure is off this year…just enjoy it. I’m just learning as much as I can off him.
“He’s a really seasoned campaigner, he’s been coaching local footy for probably 20 years, he’s seen it all before.”
Pearcedale began fast, rushing to a 6.4 to 2.0 quarter-time lead.
The margin grew to 35 points by halftime as midfielder Luke Settineri’s unrelenting work rate drove the Dales.
Huw Jones, Cruiz West, Ryan Bastinac and Jordan Bastinac were also outstanding.
Eddy said Ryan Bastinac’s influence was huge.
“Ryan would have had 30, kicked two or three, would have gone 95 percent by foot, he was pretty special yesterday,’’ he said.
“He doesn’t get the recognition sometimes, Ryan, he should, but he’s a star for us.”
Pearcedale gave a senior debut to Jesse Tzountzourkas, a big, strong youngster who acquitted himself well in the ruck and forward.
Another emerging player Cooper Thornton played his second senior match and did well.
The Dales were without key men Tom Schneider, Mitchell Davis and Shane Davidson, making the win even more meritorious.
Eddy said it’s an exciting time at Pearcedale.
“We’re really excited by what’s possible this year,” he said.
“We know there’s a couple of stand out teams, like Chelsea are right up there, Frankston Bombers will be right up there, Somerville are always right around the mark and there’s always one or two jumpers…Bonbeach look like they’ve improved from last year.”
SHARKS OPEN ACCOUNT
Bonbeach captain Liam Hulett kicked five goals as the Sharks overcame Tyabb, 15.20 (110) to 9.9 (63), at Bunguyan Reserve. Like salt and pepper, Jet and Sunny Peckett — sons of exAFL Saint Justin — were in everything for Bonny. Former Keilor player Matthew Clark slotted four goals for Tyabb, and skipper Corey Buchan impressed. Jet Peckett, who has played three games at Sandringham VFL this season, slotted a goal as Bonbeach banked its first win of the season under new coach Troy Schwarze. Bonny tackles local rivals Chelsea on Good Friday.
PANTHERS POUNCE
League medal winner Joel Hillis slotted four goals as Devon Meadows powered away from Rye 16.11 (107) to 6.9 (45). Promising youngster Ky Williams was named the Panthers’ best player, while Riley Simmons, Alex Canal and Dean Kent (three goals) also impressed.
TWINS IGNITE CRIB
Shepmates Miles and Archie Shepherd were instrumental in Crib Point’s tense win over Seaford, 11.11 (77) to 7.21 (63). Archie snapped a goal in the last minute of the game before his twin Miles, Cribby’s captain, slotted another on the siren — his fourth of the afternoon. The Magpies counted Tyler Hobson, Jett Bauer, Max Coughlin, Peder Whelan and Cooper Wisken among their best players.
BOMBERS BLITZ
Frankston Bombers took Karingal to the cleaners, 30.22 (202) to 5.3 (33). Spencer Robertson and Sam Glenn, against his former side, gave dominating performances for the Bombers, while Jai Block slotted five goals and Cranbourne recruit Tyson Barry kicked four.
BURTON BOOTS FOUR IN EAGLES WIN
Somerville was too good for Hastings, 14.12 (96) to 6.11 (47). Luke Burton booted four goals for Somie, who counted Oliver Heavey, Jordan Hammock, Lachlan Haskett and Old Brighton Grammarians recruit Jordan Hayter as their best players.
‘A lot more reliable’: Dales out to clip Eagles’ wings in MPFNL blockbuster
The stakes are high as Somerville and Pearcedale battle to maintain their unbeaten status in a fascinating round of MPFNL Division 2 footy. Hear from coaches and see the key players.
Live stream: Opportunity beckons for Geelong young guns
The Geelong Falcons travel north to take on the Brisbane Lions academy in a Coates Talent League boys and girls double-header. See how to watch both matches LIVE on Sunday.