MPFNL: Frankston YCW overpowers Mt Eliza to go to 4-1 in Division 1

Key players hit form, VFL stars returned from injury and a debutant seized his opportunity as Frankston YCW toppled Mt Eliza in an MPFNL Division 1 contest labelled a “crunch game’’.

Riley D’Arcy kicked five goals for Frankston YCW on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It seems like every week is a big game in MPFNL Division 1, but Frankston YCW coach Paul Goonan felt Saturday’s Round 5 tilt against Mt Eliza had a bit extra on it.

“It was a bit of a crunch game,’’ Goonan said after his Stonecats overpowered the Redlegs 13.9 (87) to 9.12 (66) at Coburn Oval, handing the reigning premiers their fourth defeat of the season.

“It was an important game for both teams obviously, just with the way the ladder is shaping up. It was our chance to get out of the ruckus. We’ve got a bit of breathing space now.’’

Frankston YCW joins four other sides on 4-1 — Rosebud, Edithvale-Aspendale, Pines and Langwarrin — in one of the most even seasons in years.

Mt Eliza has slipped to 1-4, its premiership hangover becoming a real issue.

On a sunny May day, Frankston YCW spearhead Riley D’Arcy fired off a season-best five goals as the Stonecats booted 5.1 to Mt Eliza’s 2.3 in the third quarter to build a halftime lead of five points to 21.

Riley D'Arcy has a shot for goal. Picture: Simon McEvoy

Former Brisbane-listed Mitch Cox slotted two goals in his YC debut after returning from an injury in pre-season with Williamstown in the VFL.

Livewire Christian Tsiampas and gun Luke Paynter also booted two goals each.

“We know we had some forward options so we were intent on getting some quick entries,’’ Goonan said.

“And it paid off.’’

Richmond VFL captain Lachlan Street also played for Frankston YCW — it was his first game in 12 months after a knee reco. He played 50 percent game time, mostly in the backline but he slipped forward to kick a goal.

Goonan said it was a “luxury’’ to have a player of Street’s calibre in the side.

“He strengthened us up behind the footy a bit,’’ he said.

“He’s a YC junior so he’s very much part of that group. He knows them all, everyone loves him and he loves them so it’s a welcome addition.’’

Frankston YCW premiership defender Mack Hura made an impressive return to form, playing a key role in the absence of Max Williams (work commitments).

“Mack stood up, as he does,’’ Goonan said.

“He’s undersized but he had as good a game as I’ve seen him play for a long time.’’

Stonecats champion Byron Barry.

YC champion Byron Barry was ever-reliable down back.

In the midfield, Luca Goonan turned in a powerful best-on-ground display for the Stonecats, with support from Jimmy Cahill and Max Gregory.

Brodie Robertson made his senior debut for Frankston YCW and impressed in a role down back.

“He cracked in,’’ Goonan said of Robertson.

“He’s been playing really well in the reserves, and he earned his spot. An opportunity came up, we gave him a chance and he just did it beautifully. It’s really good for the club when we see guys like that coming through.’’

Frankston YCW faces Rosebud next weekend in one of the games of the season.

“Rosebud, they’re the benchmark,’’ Goonan said. “It’s going to be a tough one that’s for sure.’’

PYTHONS POUNCE

Pines turned a nine-point quarter time deficit into a 39-point win over Mornington, 20.15 (135) to 14.12 (96). It was the Pythons’ fourth successive win. VFL forward Lachlan Sharp kicked six goals while Dylan Williams slotted four. For Mornington, Kai Owens, Ned Moodie, Todd Vander Haar and Kai Wunderly tried hard.

LADDER: Rosebud 16, Frankston YCW 16, Edithvale-Aspendale 16, Pines 16, Langwarrin 16, Dromana 8, Sorrento 8, Mt Eliza 4, Mornington 0, Red Hill 0.