MPNFL 2019: Brendan Fevola makes eye-catching return to football with Hastings

Brendan Fevola put on quite a show when he lined-up with Hastings in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League on Saturday.

Brendan Fevola got plenty of the ball in his first game for Hastings against Devon Meadows on Saturday. Picture: James Ross

Brendan Fevola didn’t have his kicking boots on as he scored 5.12 during his debut with Hastings in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League on Saturday — but he showed he’s still got it.

The former Carlton and Brisbane star was named among the best players on the ground as the undefeated Blues beat Devon Meadows 13.18 (96) to 5.19 (49) at Barclay Oval.

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Wearing lime green boots, Fev took one handed marks, posed for selfies with spectators and joked with teammates in what Hastings coach Ricky Ferraro described as a “big day’’.

“He even surprised me, he was actually leading out really well,’’ Ferraro said.

“I just assumed he’d stay at home and want the ball to be kicked to his advantage but straight way from the start he was leading up, he was quick over the first 10 metres and our delivery to him wasn’t too bad.

Brendan Fevola shoots for goal. Picture: James Ross

“Also, he took some really good one-on-one contested marks and he was just smart as well, when the ball was on the ground instead of just jumping on it he kicked it towards the goal and our boys got on the end of those toe pokes.’’

Fevola was playing his first game in 18 months and there were big crowds at the Hastings huddles to see him close up.

He teamed well with former Richmond player Todd Elton (three goals), Luke Hewitt (two) and Taylor Stratton (two).

Ferraro said Fevola trained with Hastings on Thursday night and got to know his new teammates.

Fevola at the Hastings huddle.

“I think that helped a lot. A lot of the boys got around him and had a bit of a chat to him,’’ he said.

“So by the time Saturday rolled around the boys had already met him. Him coming down Thursday really helped with the playing group.’’

Fevola is likely to line-up for Hastings again in its next home game, against Chelsea, on May 4.

Todd Elton kicks a goal for Hastings.

Elton celebrates with Fevola.

“He really enjoyed it, he said he’s looking forward to coming back down,’’ Ferraro said.

“It wasn’t just a cameo appearance, he’s here to win and be successful just like the rest of us.’’

Somerville made it two wins on the spin, beating Langwarrin 16.10 (106) to 13.9 (87). The strength of the Eagles forward line was too much for Langwarrin to handle with Paul Fermanis, Ryan Gillis and Rowan Hogenbirk kicking three goals apiece.

Somerville used the corridor to perfection, with Justin Allsopp, Lachlan Haskett and Dale Hynes also impressing.

Hastings player Luke Hewitt gets a handball away as he’s tackled.

Red Hill had its second win in a row by a huge margin when it thrashed Crib Point 27.12 (174) to 0.3 (3) under lights on Good Friday night.

Harry Larwill fired off nine goals and Jonathon Ross and Steve Marchetti four apiece. The Hillmen were ferocious at the contest and since losing to Karingal in the opening round they have sent a strong message to the competition. Their run off half-back was as good as it gets with Jake Mold racking up possessions at will with a BOG performance. For Crib Point, Joey Smith stood tall in the midfield and Jacob Cook tried hard in defence.

Rye thumped Tyabb 16.12 (108) to 6.14 (50), with Ben Dickson, Peter Hampton (two) and Zach Jennings (three) in sizzling form. Tyabb is winless after three games.

Marc Holt slotted seven goals as undefeated Karingal consolidated top spot with an impressive 53-point win over Seaford, 15.12 (102) to 7.7 (49). Holt has quickly put his stamp on the competition with 16 goals in three games. Fellow former Cranbourne star Ryan Davey played his best game for Karingal, while Dylan Gregson, Brendan Dunne and Dale Alanis impressed.