MPFNL: Pearcedale edges Pines in competitive practice match

Pearcedale and Pines played a free-flowing practice match, with key players, recruits and up-and-comers catching the eye.

Bayde Mate with the ball for Pearcedale against Pines in Saturday’s practice match. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The first thing that grabbed Pines coach Paddy Swayn’s attention was the size of the crowd.

The second was Pearcedale’s fast and competitive style of play.

It was only a practice match, but hundreds of footy-hungry fans turned up to watch Pearcedale and Pines play four 17-minute quarters in the heat at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

“Big crowd,’’ Swayn declared.

“When I rocked up I went, gee, how many people are here? They love their footy don’t they.’’

Pines and Pearcedale do battle. Valeriu Campan

Pearcedale, even without key players Kaolan Thornton, Brett Eddy and Ryan Bastinac, won the hit-out with a late goal.

“We actually fielded a strong team,” Swayn said.

“They did well Pearcedale.”

Finn Jakstas takes a kick.

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac said it was “a good competitive game” and said his young side was tracking nicely ahead of the season.

“Really rapt with our boys, with what we put out,” he said.

“A couple of our young boys got a taste for it. Jesse Tzountzourkas, he competed against Russell Gabriel which was a good experience for him.

“Aaron Phal looked really good. Cruiz West looks like he’s back to his best after an injury riddled season last year. A few of the boys were moving well.

“For us it was about being competitive and we were more than competitive and held our own against them.”

Lachlan Hinde on burst for Pearcedale.

For Pines, a couple of recruits caught the eye, especially Kane McKenzie, who’s crossed over from Somerville, and former Richmond VFL player Cam Olden.

Champion Puthons ruckman Gabriel was playing his first game in 18 months after missing the 2024 season with a ruptured biceps tendon.

PINES
IN: Kane McKenzie (Somerville), Zechariah Cuppens (Reservoir), Cam Olden (Richmond VFL), Kayden Sharp (Finley), Shaun White (Lyndhurst), Lachlan Sharp (Somerville), Nick Boswell (returning from WA), Jack McHale (making Pines his home club but listed with Williamstown VFL)

OUT: Shane Savage (Tooradin-Dalmore), Macgregor Cameron (Echuca), Jake Pusch (Karingal), Aaron Philp (Skye), Jarrod Richards (Subiaco)

PEARCEDALE

IN: Jack McGuiness (returning from injury)

OUT: