MPFNL: Mornington signs defender YCW Brenton Credlin and Bonbeach ruckman Angus Grant

Mornington has made some big signings, including ex-VFL players, ahead of its return to MPFNL Division 1.

Mornington coach Josh Newman with recruit Brenton Credlin. Picture: Facebook

Mornington has bolstered its list since winning the MPFNL Division 2 grand final in September.

The Bulldogs have signed Frankston YCW’s four-time premiership defender and vice-captain Brenton Credlin and Bonbeach ruckman Angus Grant, who has played VFL for Frankston over the past two years.

It’s understood Mornington is also chasing Frankston Dolphins VFL star Kai Owens in what would be a huge coup. He averaged 23 possessions as a 192 centimetre onballer to emerge as a leading player for Frankston last season.

Mornington coach Josh Newman confirmed the Bulldogs “have been talking to Kai’’.

Brenton Credlin takes a mark for Frankston YCW. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Newman said Credlin’s experience would be crucial to Mornington’s young backline.

“He’s a seasoned player, still in his prime, a Division 1 genuine defender who will help our back six,’’ he said.

“We’ve got a great back six who are super keen to learn and they were playing their best footy towards the back end of the year.

“Being young and inexperienced they were pretty quiet. When things were going well they were doing awesome but when things go south a bit the nerves kick in a little bit, that inexperience shows.

“I think adding BJ is huge because he’s got so much experience at that level and winning premierships — I think he was best-on in one of those grannys — and team of the year every year pretty much. He’ll be massive for us.’’

Grant is a 200cm young ruckman rated highly by Newman, who says he will provide valuable support to Bulldogs premiership ruck Jarrod Hicks.

“He’s just a big unit, a great kid, and got still so much development left in him,’’ Newman said.

“He played a few VFL games last year and he will probably try and have a crack again.

“I’ve got that connection with him through Frankston and we look to add quality people and he’s a ripping young man.

“He’s been smashing the gym and put on a fair few kilos. He will add some size for us. Hicks is 32 and that was one of his requests, to get a big young fella to give him a chop out in the ruck. So he’ll be good for us in that space.’’

Newman said more recruits would be announced in the coming weeks as the Bulldogs strengthen their list ahead of a return to the top-flight.

“We’ve got a couple of VFL quality players that we’ll announce in the next couple of weeks,’’ he said.

“We should naturally progress and develop anyway and then we’ll add a few bigger bodies which will help all the young guys to develop again.’’

Mornington withthe 2023 MPFNL Division 2 flag. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington celebrate their win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington’s departures include James Cameron, who has retired, and midfielder Harry Bould, who has left to join Seaford. Ruckman Ryan Smith, who won the reserves league medal, has indicated he will play elsewhere and Harry Dekleuver is rumoured to be returning to Crib Point.

Newman said competition for spots would be hot in 2024.

“I’m not one of these coaches who are going to give players empty promises,’’ he said.

“I said to the majority of our list there are 22 spots up for grabs again and it turns into the Hunger Games again.

“You want competition for spots. You’ve got to work your arse off for those spots and the work starts now, and you’ve got to do all the right things to be able to play senior footy.’’