MPFNL: Rosebud beats Dromana to go 4-0, Pines egdes Frankston YCW
Rosebud coach Danny Ades gives an insight into his side’s unbeaten start, while an ex-AFL player made a surprise appearance as Frankston YCW and Pines were involved in a night-time thriller in MPFNL Division 1.
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Rosebud coach Danny Ades has played down his side’s fast 4-0 start to the season, saying it’s too early to know where the Buds sit “in the scheme of things”.
The Buds on Saturday beat Dromana for the first time in three years to consolidate top spot in Mornington Peninsula Division 1.
Athletic forward Blake Kuipers was awarded the Anzac Medal after kicking 4.4 in the 11.14 (80) to 9.13 (62) win at Olympic Park.
Kuipers, with 23 goals in four games, has been a big factor in Rosebud’s sizzling start.
Ades said while it’s nice to be sitting on top of the ladder he was keeping a tight lid on things.
“I don’t pay too much attention to the results at the moment,” he said.
“I don’t know where that puts us in the scheme of things. It’s probably not until everyone plays each other once that we’ll know.
“But it’s definitely better being there (on top) than not.”
While Kuipers was a big presence up forward, Casey Demons premiership captain Mitch White was arguably Rosebud’s most important player through the middle and at half forward.
He had a great midfield battle with Dromana champion Billy Geurts and his brother Sam, who kept the Tigers in the contest when it looked like Rosebud was going to run away with it.
Campbell Hustwaite was also impressive in the middle for the Buds, and the assured Nick Mason was vital down back.
Ades rated the win highly.
“That’s definitely the most we’ve been tested this season,’’ he said.
“And it was the first time we’ve played in wet conditions as well. Pardon the pun, it was good to weather the storm and get the result.’’
He said banking early wins was crucial in such an even competition.
“We had to do it the other way around last year and limped into finals,’’ he said.
“We made finals with nine wins which is low.’’
Former Templestowe player Bailey Watson returned to the Rosebud side after recovering from syndesmosis.
Somerville recruit Lachlan Williams is expected to return from a hamstring injury against Pines next weekend.
Ades said he’s enjoying watching Rosebud’s evolution.
“It’s good to start ticking off little milestones,’’ he said.
“We haven’t beaten Dromana in a few years. We hadn’t won on Easter Saturday in a few years. So little things like this are definitely something we are measuring internally.’’
STIMULATING CHALLENGE
Rosebud faces another big test this Saturday when it tackles Pines, at the Python Pit. Ades knows how hard it is to win there. Last season the Buds lost by five points after Pines’ Liam Cox kicked a goal, in Beau Hendry’s 300th game. “They kicked a goal with 30 seconds to go...in Beau’s 300th,’’ Ades said. “I’m mindful of what milestone they’re going to have. Paddy (Pines coach) is always good at coming up with something.
“In all seriousness, I enjoy coaching against Paddy because I think he’s quite creative and he always throws up something you haven’t seen before. It’s as stimulating in the coaches box as it is on the field for the players, so l enjoy these battles.’’
PINES WIN A THRILLER
Former Essendon player Ned Cahill made a surprise return to the Frankston YCW side against Pines on Saturday night, but his Stonecats lost by four points in a thriller under lights at John Coburn Oval.
Pines forward Dylan Williams booted a goal with 90 seconds to go to give the 2-1 Pythons a gripping victory, 10.12 (72) to 10.8 (68).
Pines midfield dynamo Khyal Jacobson won the Anzac Medal for best-on-ground and it meant a lot to him and his family, with his parents in the Navy.
Ex-Richmond VFL forward Cameron Olden kicked five goals for Pines and Lachlan Sharp slotted two timely goals.
Mitch Riggs, the grandson of Sandringham 1962 premiership player Barry Burke and nephew of St Kilda champion Nathan, made his senior debut for Pines at the age of 31.
Riggs hasn’t played football since juniors, having chased his basketball dream of playing US college ball.
He played an important role up forward on Saturday.
Cahill stepped away from football over summer and there were doubts he would play at all this season. He kicked a goal in his first appearance for 2025 on Saturday, with Pines’ Jacob Boyle doing a good job on him.
Pines have been involved in three nerve-racking finishes this season. They lost to Langwarrin by three points in the opening round, then beat Mt Eliza by three points, and edged YC by four points.
KANGAS UNBEATEN
Langwarrin continued its stunning start to the season, beating Sorrento by 52 points to go 4-0. The Kangaroos, co-coached by Josh Beard and ex-AFL Swan Jarred Moore, won their opening three matches by one, two and three points. But they did it more comfortably on Saturday, kicking five successive goals in the third quarter to set up victory, 13.14 (92) to 6.4 (40). Langy found inspiration from Jaiden Jakubenko, Mitch Cuthbert, Jordy Bertrand, Harry Money and youngster Corey Slefendorfas.
EAGLES GO 3-1
Former Frankston VFL player Colby Nayna was best-afield in Edithvale-Aspendale’s win over Red Hill, 8.11 (59) to 6.7 (43). Tyrone Vickery kicked four goals for the Eagles who also counted Kurt Lo Po among their best. The Basin recruit Tarkyn Wyett made his debut for Edi-Asp, as did 16yo Will Antrobus. Red Hill’s best included Joel Ivanovic, Tom Slattery and Michael Griechen.
REDLEGS OFF AND RUNNING
Reigning premiers Mt Eliza broke through for its first win of the season on Anzac Day, beating Mornington. With Tom Freeman kicking two goals in a best-on-ground display and Fletcher Bayne and Harry Langford impressing, the Redlegs got on top after halftime to win 12.8 (80) to 9.9 (63).
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