MPNFL 2018: Karingal snatches double chance in closing moments of final round

KARINGAL coach Brett Dunne says the Bulls will go into their first finals campaign in six years feeling like the “pressure is off’’.

Karingal’s No 13 Nathan Villella tackles Red Hill player Lachlan Chandler in round seven. The Bulls will meet the Hillmen in the qualifying final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

KARINGAL coach Brett Dunne says the Bulls will go into their first finals campaign in six years feeling like the “pressure is off’’ after grabbing the prized double chance in the closing moments of the MPNFL Division 2 season on Saturday.

After beating Crib Point by 38 points, Karingal players were waiting outside the rooms when they received news of Hastings’ upset three-point win over Chelsea – meaning the Bulls had jumped into third spot at the expense of the Seagulls.

“Obviously we are pleased,’’ Dunne, who coached Chelsea last season, said. “Personally, I feel for a few people at Chelsea that I am close to.

“We have been gifted a little bonus.’’

Karingal will face Red Hill in a qualifying final at Somerville on Saturday.

The Bulls are likely to bring in a bunch of players, including former Carlton midfielder Andy McInnes and ruckman Grant Goodall.

On Saturday, Nathan Villella, Rob McEwin (three goals) and Steve McInnes helped set up Karingal’s 8.10 (58) to 2.8 (20) win over Cribby.

“We did recovery (on Sunday morning) and there was a different feeling, everyone’s excited,’’ Dunne said.

“It still hasn’t sunk that we are in qualifying final.’’

Karingal coach Brett Dunne addressing players.

Hastings snapped a three-game losing streak to stun an inaccurate Chelsea, 11.10 (76) to 9.19 (73).

Chris Moloney, Shaun Foster (two goals) and Paul Rogasch were instrumental as the Blues finished the season on a high – and in sixth spot.

Chelsea had its chances to win but now must face Langwarrin in the elimination final at Rye on Sunday.

Tyabb finished a productive season with a stirring 10-point win over Somerville, with Ethan Rahilly – in his 100th game – turning in a best-on-ground display.

Michael Altenkirch kicked the sealer, his third goal for the day, as the improved Yabbies banked their sixth win for the season. Lachlan Cox, Brendan Doyle, Simon Rahilly, Brock Regan and Darcy Sawyer also shone in the win.

Jesse Murphy of Langwarrin kicked seven goals on Saturday to move to 72 for the season.

Langwarrin revved up for finals with an eye-popping 107-point win over Pearcedale in the Bushman’s Cup at Lloyd Park. Jesse Murphy fired off seven goals and Shane Paterson was in vintage form for the Kangas. Kye Whitford was also red-hot, booting five goals, and Nick Tuddenham, Michael Parker and Mitch Cuthbert impressed in the 21.19 (145) to 5.8 (38) result.

Australian boxing champion Jack Gipp was best-on-ground in Dromana’s 60-point win over Rye, 18.17 (125) to 9.11 (65).

Gipp kicked four goals, while Rohan Bleeker, Andrew Howison, Sam Geurts and Rory Gregg starred for the minor premier-winning Tigers.

Red Hill ace Chris Irving slotted five goals and Jake Mold was in sizzling form as the Hillmen trounced Devon Meadows 20.9 (129) to 5.4 (34). Lachlan Chandler, Dylan Hoare, Zach Vines and Aidan Marchesani also did well ahead of the finals.