MPFNL: Rosebud roars home to beat Sorrento in Division 1

Rosebud found itself in unfamiliar territory on Saturday — trailing. But a ‘spray’ and a best-on-ground display changed things.

Liam Tidd of Rosebud was best-on-ground in the Buds’ win over Sorrento on Saturday. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

It was no more Mr Nice Guy as a fired-up Rosebud coach Danny Ades marched into the rooms at half-time on Saturday.

The ladder-leading Buds trailed Sorrento by 15 points and Ades wasn’t happy his side’s energy, or lack of it — and he told them so, loudly.

“That’s the first spray l’ve given our group all year,’’ Ades said afterwards.

“I felt like we were really flat.

“Sorrento came out really prepared and we thought it was just going to happen.

“We played a little ahead of the footy and they took their chances...and we found ourselves in a bit of a hole at half-time.’’

With their ears still ringing, Rosebud players came out in the third quarter and fired off eight goals to three to seize control, setting up their 14.11 (95) to 13.7 (85) win.

Midfielder Liam Tidd led the Rosebud turnaround with a determined, four-quarter display, capped off by two goals.

Ruckman Stephen Cumming was “huge’’ after half-time, while young Miller Stewart used the footy well and was lively in a new role up forward.

Billy Hartung of Rosebud runs with the ball. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Another pivotal move in the second half was Mitchell White going into stoppages and Billy Hartung to half back to give the Buds real drive.

“I just feel like we got our spacing right ahead of the footy to give ourselves better options going forward,’’ Ades said.

Kirk Dickson slotted three goals as the Buds clicked into gear.

The win took Rosebud’s record to 8-1 in Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 1.

Ades said his side learnt a lot from Saturday’s game.

“We have trailed in only 24 minutes for the entire season leading into yesterday,’’ he said.

“And then we trailed yesterday for the best part of half a game.

“So that was a new challenge this group hasn’t seen yet this season.

“I look at it both ways — glass half full, and empty. We put out some pretty ordinary footy for a half yesterday but then I suppose to play only two 20 minutes of good footy and win the game is a positive in itself.’’

Kirk Dickson takes a mark. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Rosebud’s Robbie Bos copped a knock to his hip and didn’t play after quarter time. Skipper Campbell Hustwaite was also sore.

“We finished the game with one on the bench,’’ Ades said.

“We are a bit banged up, I don’t think anything major. We’ll have a deload week this week, we’ll do some gym work...’’

Rosebud has a week off before tackling Langwarrin on June 21.

For Sorrento, James Hallahan booted four goals and Dylan Clarke, Charlie Stokes, Aaron Breman and Jack Beverley were also in the best.

Sorrento, 3-6, faces Mornington next, on June 21.

“They’re a better side than the ladder suggests,’’ Ades said of Sorrento.

“And I fully expect them to challenge quite a few in the back end (of the season).”

Rosebud 3.3, 4.6, 12.8, 14.11 (95) d Sorrento 3.2, 7.3, 10.3, 13.7 (85).

Best:

Rosebud: Liam Tidd, Stephen Cumming, Miller Stewart, Mitchell White, Billy Hartung.

Sorrento: Dylan Clarke, Charlie Stokes, James Hallahan, Aaron Breman, Jack Beverley