MPFNL: Rosebud beats Langwarrin to climb to seventh in Division 1

New names and talented youngsters are powering Rosebud’s climb up the ladder in MPFNL Division 1.

Rosebud’s Blake Kuipers celebrates a goal against Langwarrin on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rosebud may soon have to raise its 2023 expectations.

The Buds went into the MPFNL Division 1 season with an aim to develop.

But with three wins, they’ve worked their way into seventh spot, in the mix in an even competition.

On Saturday, Rosebud dug deep to beat reigning Division 2 premiers Langwarrin at Lloyd Park, kicking four last quarter goals to prevail by seven points, 10.9 (69) to 8.14 (62).

Buds big man Stephen Cumming was best-afield and skipper Fletcher Hustwaite led from the front with another strong display.

Rosebud’s Callum McNair stretches for a mark.

Matthew Cumming. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

But it was the contributions of a new wave of Buds that was crucial.

Dingley recruit Josh Stevens continued his excellent month with a dashing display on a wing.

Young Matt Friendly, 17, from Mt Martha, was super off half back.

“He’s a really clean user of footy, always got a grin on his face and he’s really keen to learn and we’re rapt for him,” Rosebud coach Danny Ades said of Friendly.

Thomas Stoffels and Luca Bellinvia were also in Rosebud’s best players, while Blake Kuipers and Sandringham VFL player Tyrell Lafituanai kicked two goals each.

“We led from start to finish and it felt like every time we every time we got out to four goals in front we relaxed a bit,’’ Ades said.

“Towards the end of the game, yeah, they (Langwarrin) were coming.

“We were probably fortunate to get the four points because they had some momentum there in the last quarter for sure.’’

Rosebud’s Rory Rowe on the move. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ades said Rosebud’s 3-4 start to the season has contained highs and lows.

“We’ve let ourselves down once and that was against Mt Eliza at Mt Eliza,’’ he said, referring to the Buds’ 129-point loss in Round 4.

“I can take the other losses…but that one round has been a real blemish on the season so far. We’ve been in enough games to potentially win four or five, not just the three, so our group is aware of that, we’re hoping to make up a few in the back half of the season for sure.’’

Can the Buds make a run at the finals?

“We’re not talking finals or anything like that, this year is all about development but the ladder suggests…things are looking positive,’’ Ades said.

“We’re moving in the right direction.’’

Rosebud players celebrate a goal on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ades added:

“The sort of footy we’re trying to play stands up when we do it well. Against the better sides who are pretty well drilled you can see it but that consistency throughout games is letting us down.

“If we can keep progressing throughout the year maybe we can scare a few because I felt like we were in a great position to pinch the game last week against Frankston Bombers. That one really hurt.

“The group is up and about, they’re enjoying their footy so who knows what we can do in the back half.’’

Langwarrin has had a win, a draw and six losses since coming up from Division 2.

Chad Mulvogue, Zach Andrewartha and Josh Bateman were best for the Kangas on Saturday, and Curtis Bywater booted three goals.

Rosebud hosts reigning premiers Frankston YCW on Saturday.