MPFNL: Pearcedale out to clip Eagles’ wings in Division 2 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.

Pearcedale has made a fast start to 2025 with two impressive wins.

Pearcedale is on a mission when it heads to Somerville for an MPFNL Division 2 blockbuster on Saturday.

The winner will emerge undefeated, with its 2025 campaign in great shape.

The Dales are out to show they’re the real deal this season — and also to get redemption for last year’s elimination final loss to Somey.

“We’re really excited by what’s possible this year,” Pearcedale co-coach Brett Eddy said.

“Somerville on their home deck will be really hard to beat — they knocked us out last year.

“We played them three times last year and they beat us twice, so it’s a big challenge.

“We’re just happy to rock up and keep things simple and play our role and you never know.”

Pearcedale has started the season arguably the best of all Division 2 sides, with wins over Devon Meadows (by 30 points) and 2024 runners-up Chelsea (36).

Luke Daniel boots Pearcedale into attack. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dynamic forward Cruiz West has fired off nine goals while Luke Settineri, Jack McGuiness, Ryan Bastinac and Luke Daniel have hit the ground running.

Somerville has also looked sharp, beating Karingal and Hastings, with Oliver Heavey, Luke Burton and Old Brighton Grammarians recruit Jordan Hayter impressing.

Eddy believes this season’s competition is wide open, with several teams capable of going all the way.

“We know there’s a couple of stand out teams, like Chelsea are right up there, Frankston Bombers will be right up there,’’ he said.

“Somerville are always right around the mark and there’s always one or two jumpers…Bonbeach look like they’ve improved from last year.”

Luke Burton in action for Somerville. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pearcedale co-coach Peter Bastinac believes the Dales are playing their best footy in years.

“Yeah, in my time, yeah absolutely,’’ he said.

“It’s finally come together, we’ve got a pretty healthy list and I’m just seeing maturity in the younger boys.

“I haven’t seen the growth that I have this year and that’s really helped us. Our good players are still good every week but these young boys have now become a lot more reliable and are having great input how we play.’’

In other games on Saturday, former St Kilda teammates Nathan Burke and Troy Schwarze become coaching rivals when their respective teams Karingal and Bonbeach lock horns. Burke’s Karingal is on a re-building journey this season, while Schwarze’s Bonbeach will be looking to even its record at 2-2.

Chelsea, after an impressive win over Bonbeach on Good Friday, hosts a rising Seaford.

Rye had a rousing win on Good Friday and goes to Crib Point with a spring in its step. Jarred Grant’s Frankston Bombers, coming off a 169-point win, meets Hastings.

On Friday, Devon Meadows hosts Tyabb in a big Anzac Day clash. The Panthers fired off 16 goals to open their winning account last round and will be keen to go on with it against the Yabbies, who have started the season with a win and two losses.