MPNFL 2019: Coaches name the best young talent in Division 1

MPNFL Division 1 has been hotly contested this season with future stars emerging.

Bailey Breen snaps for Mt Eliza. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The MPNFL has long been a breeding ground for VFL and even AFL players.

So, who are the players from MPNFL Division 1 clubs capable of taking the next step?

We asked the coaches.

Bonbeach’s Lachlan Stenning.

BONBEACH co-coach Steve Hughes nominated Lachie Stenning and Will Dunn.

“Both are still under age players who haven’t missed a senior game this year,” Hughes said.

“Stenning is VFL capable, no doubt. He can play everywhere...he’s versatile and probably the funniest kid I’ve ever coached. He’s the class clown.

“Dunny just missed out on a Stingrays spot but has played every senior game, playing down back as a lockdown defender. I’ve given him jobs on Sam Fowler and Luke Tapscott. I reckon there’s a bit about him.”

Dromana’s Sam Fowler is always dangerous near goals. Picture: Valeriu Campan

DROMANA coach Rikki Johnston nominated Matt Gahan, Sam Fowler, Billy Quigley, Sam Geurts, Billy Geurts, Ethan Johnstone, Josh Bateman.

FRANKSTON YCW coach Wayne Capp named Lachlan Street, Matt La Fontaine and Josh Berenger.

“I believe Lachlan Street has the ability to be an AFL player,” Capp said.

“Matt La Fontaine is talented enough to play a higher level and Josh Berenger is young fella who is playing great footy in our seniors and he also has what it takes to take his footy further.”

Edi-Asp’s Charlie Martello (right).

ED-ASP coach Graeme Yeats named Nick Carlon and Charlie Martello.

“They are both second and third year players. They’ve shown really good improvement this year. We are really excited about those kids, they are very good young men and ripping young players.”

Lachlan Susovich takes a kick for Mornington.

MORNINGTON coach Simon Goosey has high hopes for Lachlan Susovich.

“I was probably going to send him to VFL anyway,’’ Goosey said.

“He reads the ball really well. That’s something you can’t really teach. He’s really strong. He can play above his height. He’s one of those good intercept backmen. He’s played on tall this year and done really well.”

Former MT ELIZA coach Nick Claringbold said Tom Small, Mason De Wit, Bailey Breen and Sam Webster.

“Tom Small was elevated to the Dolphins list in the last two weeks and we had Mason De Wit play in the young guns game at Werribee and do well,” Claringbold said.

Sean Downie kicks for Rosebud.

“Bailey Breen is having a fantastic season and will likely do a summer at a VFL club and Sam Webster is a 17 year old in year 11 who has played the last four games in the seniors and recently was one of our best.”

PINES coach Paddy Swayn nominated Khyal Jacobson, Luke Dalmau, Brandon Lewis and Jacob Boyle.

ROSEBUD coach Nick Jewell said Sean Downie, Campbell Hustwaite, Steve Cummings and Jai Nanscawen.

“Sean Downie picks the ball up below his knees at speed without having to slow down or fumble better than anyone I’ve coached or played with,” Jewell said.

Chad Harris fires out a handball for Sorrento.

SORRENTO coach Luke Tapscott said Chad Harris and Jake Di Pasquale have bright futures.

“Chad is at Richmond (VFL) and I think he’s signed a full-term contract there for next year,’’ Tapscott said.

“The signs are promising for him. He’s ticking all the boxes...he’s always had that skill and flare but he’s turned that into being really consistent this year.

“Jake has been on Casey’s list for a couple of years. He’s been playing some good footy. They are our two main guys who have the drive to have a crack at the high level at the moment. Our under 16s and 17s are really promising.”