MPFNL: Ex-Victorian cricketer’s eye-popping local footy debut for Sorrento

A former state cricketer ran rampant as Sorrento blasted back to winning form in MPFNL Division 1.

Seb Gotch watches Sorrento teammate Leigh Poholke hit the turf. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was exactly what Sorrento needed after three losses in a row.

On debut, Seb Gotch gave Sorrento a shot of energy; the former Victorian cricketer slotting four goals straight to help the Sharks to a vital win over Rosebud on Saturday.

Sorrento kicked eight goals in the third quarter to turn an eight-point half-time deficit into a 39-point victory, 16.12 (108) to 9.15 (69).

Gotch was the 41st player used by injury-hit Sorrento this season, and he made a difference.

“Gotchy’s a little pocket rocket,” Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke said.

“He’s a ball of energy, obviously he’s jumped on board to coach the cricket club.

“He’s good friends with (recruit) Jared Risol from Caulfield. He’s been playing really well in the twos.

“We’ve had to go as deep as we possibly can.

“We’re testing all the depth of the footy club and he can’t train a lot but he’s so good, we’d be doing an injustice if we weren’t picking him.’’

A flying Chad Harris gets his hand on the ball for Sorrento. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Poholke said Gotch’s leadership was also important for the Sharks.

“He speaks really well, he’s not afraid to pull anyone into line,’’ he said.

“He’s dangerous, he’s a small forward, he got out the back a lot, finished really well, kicked four straight.

“Just a nice little ball of energy to have down there.’’

Poholke said Sorrento’s third quarter contained some if its best football of the season as Shannon Gladman, Aaron Breman and Nick Marston asserted their authority.

Chad Harris made his return from a fractured collarbone and was crucial off half back.

Liam McKenna, against his former club, was also among Sorrento’s best.

Aaron Breman.

Bailey Holt.

Former Subiaco forward Breman kicked three goals and provided a strong target up forward, with Jordan Doherty and Leigh and Myles Poholke also booting two goals each.

“He clunked them and kicked straight,” Poholke said of Breman.

“That was probably the tale of it, I think we kicked 12.4 and they kicked 3.10 after half-time. Kicking straight is obviously good football.”

Zach Byrns was also lively for Sorrento in only his third game for the season after battling hamstring injuries.

Rosebud tried hard, with Jake Carosella, Liam Tidd, David Cohn and Jackson McRae among the Buds’ best.

Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke talks to Liam McKenna. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sorrento is 5-5 and in sixth spot.

Poholke said the Sharks would be bolstered by the return of up to six players, including James Hallahan, Charlie Stokes and Aaron Paxton, after the bye.

“The aim is to finish fifth,’’ he said.

“Obviously I think the top four are pretty clear cut. We’re just hoping if we can get our team back together for the back half of the year...

“I haven’t had to drop anyone this year and that probably shows you how many injuries we have had. We get all those teams above us at home which is nice because obviously we play better footy at home.’’