MPNFL 2018: Pines beats Sorrento to book a place in grand final

PINES hasn’t won a premiership since 1994 but that could all be about to change after Paddy Swayn’s side won through to the MPNFL Division 1 grand final.

Former AFL player Aaron Edwards booted four goals to help Pines beat Sorrento by 13 points in the second semi-final on Sunday. Picture: Jason Sammon

PINES hasn’t won a premiership since 1994 but that could all be about to change after Paddy Swayn’s side won through to the MPNFL Division 1 grand final with a stirring 13-point win over minor premiers Sorrento in the second semi-final on Sunday.

“You can see the joy on people’s faces,” an ecstatic Swayn said after the 14.11 (95) to 11.16 (82) victory in front of a big crowd at Mornington.

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There were emotional scenes straight after the game when Swayn led his side to the boundary fence on the far side of the ground where club legend Cowboy Nicholls, who suffers from motor neurone disease, watched from a car.

Clearly, the Pythons did it for Cowboy.

In a game with plenty of niggle, Sorrento spearhead Chris Dawes, back from injury, slotted the opening goal as the Sharks made a fast start.

Pines coach Paddy Swayn. Picture: Chris Eastman

Pines prime mover Luke Potts.

The Sorras had three of the first four goals but Pines, led by midfield trio Perry Lewis-Smith, Paul Scanlon and Luke Potts, roared back.

Aaron Edwards kicked two goals in the second quarter and had three by halftime as Pines surged 17 points ahead.

Sorrento coach Luke Tapscott tried to inspire his men by putting his head over the footy and Mitch Hallahan continued to surge the ball forward.

But a clever snap to start the last quarter by Pines forward Aaron Ludewig put the Pythons 14 points up and when Edwards drilled his fourth, they were off to the big dance.

Pines also received great service from left-footer Harley Parker, who was tough and energetic, Lachlan Marshall and Khyal Jacobson.

While Pines gets a week off to prepare, Sorrento must regroup and face Mt Eliza in the preliminary final at Frankston Park on Sunday for the right to have another crack at the Pythons.

In the reserves, Mark Fitcher’s Edithvale-Aspendale booked a place in the grand final with a 15-point win over Mt Eliza in the second semi-final.

And in the under-19s, undefeated Mt Eliza progressed to the grand final with a 12.12 (84) to 8.9 (57) win over Edi-Asp.