MPFNL: Red Hill beats Langwarrin to kickstart its season in Division 1

Red Hill is approaching the second half of the MPFNL Division 1 season as an “adventure’’, and is set to benefit from a big boost.

Red Hill coach Jamie Mollo. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Bit by bit, Red Hill’s mojo is returning.

So, too, are key players.

After four competitive losses in a row, the Hillmen roared back to winning form on Saturday with a 37-point victory over Langwarrin, 15.6 (96) to 8.11 (59).

Former Richmond VFL midfielder James Fletcher made a sparkling return from hamstring and shoulder injuries.

And Red Hill captain Jonah Siversen kicked three goals in only his second match of the season, combining well with Harry Larwill, who slotted five goals.

Harry Larwill.

Red Hill players.

In eighth spot with a 2-7 record, the Hillmen are still chasing finals, accoding to coach Jamie Mollo.

He’s dubbed the remaining nine rounds an “adventure’’, with a big prize at the end.

“We’re heading in the right direction now I think,” Mollo said.

“The conversation has changed. Where it was expectation, it’s now a bit of adventure, and let’s see what we can do in the last nine weeks of this journey.

“We don’t want to talk about shaping the finals yet because we think we can win enough games to do it but we know it’s going to be tough because there are some really good sides…but you need a goal. If you take that away, well, you may as well just be making up the numbers.

“But we are definitely there to try and make the five so we’ll call it an adventure rather than an expectation.”

Red Hill kicked five goals in both the first and second quarters to hurry to a 44-point half-time lead against Langwarrin.

The Hillmen weren’t about to let this one slip, and strong showings from Shea Mitchell, Harry Wynn-Pope, Fletcher, Jake Mitchell, Daniel Frampton and Miles Gouderjaan ensured victory.

Red Hill booted away again in the last quarter to seal an overdue victory, and possibly kickstarting its season.

Mollo said Fletcher’s experience was crucial.

“He’s just so pro active and he suits our game style to a tee and then he brings everyone along for the ride,” he said.

“He’s a good player, a very experienced player and a great leader.”

Josh Prudden tries to slip the Kyle Langford tackle. Pic: Michael Klein

Red Hill is likely to regain former Western Bulldogs AFL player Josh Prudden and Sandringham-listed Liam Reilly for its bumper clash with unbeaten Dromana on Sunday.

Prudden hasn’t played since doing his hamstring early in the opening round against Dromana, after having 10 touches and kicking a goal, while Reilly has been sidelined since hurting his shoulder in a practice match with Sandy.

Mollo said his side was looking forward to facing Dromana on Sunday.

“Traditionally they’ve been really good games and we’re getting blokes back at the right time,’’ Mollo said.

“They’re sitting without a loss and they’re clearly the benchmark, they’re such a well balanced side. So it will be a great challenge for us.’’