MPNFL 2019: Dromana beats Bonbeach to climb to second spot

Dromana’s hot form has been one of the stories of the season so far in MPNFL Division 1. Can the Tigers go all the way?

Rosebud’s Fletcher Hustwaite has his eyes on the ball. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Dromana coach Rikki Johnston deflected suggestions his side was a premiership contender after it beat Bonbeach by 46 points on Saturday to make it four wins in a row and climb to second spot in MPNFL Division 1.

“We’re not looking that far ahead,’’ Johnston said.

“We’re trying to keep a lid on what’s happening.’’

This is Dromana’s first year in the top flight and the Tigers have impressed on their way to a 6-2 start.

Johnston admits his side has exceeded expectations.

“At the start of the year we broke it up into three blocks of six games and our expectations were that we’d like to be 4-2 through those blocks of games,’’ he said.

Will Geurts takes a kick for Dromana. Picture: Chris Eastman

“We’re probably a little bit ahead of that curve at this point in time. That’s all good but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves. It’s one of those leagues, if you rock up and don’t put your best foot forward, well, you’re going come away with a loss.’’

On Saturday, Dromana kicked away from Bonbeach after half-time. Ethan Johnstone slotted three goals in a row in the third quarter as the Tigers posted a 13.15 (93) to 6.11 (47) victory. Johnstone finished with four goals and Sam Fowler three, while Terry Wheeler, Sam Geurts and Beau Cosson were influential. A shoulder injury to young gun Josh Bateman was the only lowlight for Dromana.

Dromana coach Rikki Johnson.

For Bonbeach, which has lost two in a row, Dylan Jones, Gary Carpenter and Jackson Casey tried hard.

Rosebud claimed its biggest scalp of the season with a stirring 14-point win over reigning premier Pines.

The Buds slammed on eight goals straight after the 20 minute mark of the third quarter to post an 11.10 (76) to 8.14 (62) victory on their home turf.

Rosebud coach Nick Jewell said his 4-4 Buds continue to show character.

“The boys have been unbelievable,’’ Jewell said.

“We’ve had a lot of new faces this year and our average age is 22. They are a very young group and I love them.

“What they do on the track and every game day, you can’t question their effort and output. Every week, they are just full throttle. We make some mistakes but their effort is just, oh, I just love them.’’

Rosebud’s Stephen Cumming playing for the Stingrays last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rosebud beat Pines despite being without prime mover Greg Bentley, who pulled out on the morning of the game with a tight hamstring, and key forward Daniel Lewis.

But the efforts of Jari Kennedy at full-back on Aaron Edwards, 207cm Stephen Cumming in the ruck and Josh Fisher’s tagging job on Nick Boswell were pivotal for Rosebud.

Tom Stoffels slotted three goals and Sean Downie was also influential as the Buds rattled home after trailing by 11 points at half-time.

Rosebud has emerged as a finals contender, winning four of its past five games, after making a tentative 0-3 start to the season.

“The season was looking pretty ordinary at that stage,’’ Jewell said. “The boys have just got character. Who knows what’s possible. But they just keep stepping up each week.’’

It was the first time in a long time that Pines has lost consecutive games and coach Paddy Swayn said his side shot itself in the foot.

Sorrento captain James Hallahan.

“We’re butchering the ball, but in saying that we had our chances to win,’’ he said.

Sorrento fired off seven goals in the last quarter to secure a 34-point win over bottom side Mornington.

On debut, teenager Charlie Stokes impressed for the Sharks across half back in the 14.16 (100) to 10.6 (66) victory.

“He was clearly the most composed player on the ground,’’ Sorrento coach Luke Tapscott said of Stokes.

“He’s a really skillful kid.’’

Mornington, with Adrian Speedy and Jackson Calder (four goals) running hot, served it up to the ladder leaders for three quarters. But the Sharks got on top as James Brigden, Mitch Hallahan and Shannon Gladman made their presence felt.

Tapscott said Sorrento fielded a young side.

“We had nine of our best side out yesterday,’’ he said.

“We had quite a few kids and the majority of them stepped up which was good. I wish I could say we rested them but we had quite a few blokes who were sore, a couple were away and a couple of us were crook. We should have five back this week.’’

MPNFL DIV 2: RED HILL THRASHES CHELSEA

MORNINGTON SECURES FIRST WIN OF SEASON

Former Collingwood-listed ruckman Mitch McCarthy turned in a best-on-ground performance to help Mt Eliza defeat Frankston YCW by 18 points at Coburn Oval.

Jonathan Ristrom in action for Mt Eliza.

Redlegs skipper Shane Tennant was also outstanding, along with Sam Gill, Fin Bayne, Ethan Park and Will Antonie, as Mt Eliza won 7.10 (52) to 4.10 (34) to make it two in a row.

Corey Micari capped a best-on-ground display with three goals as the Frankston Bombers came from behind to beat Edi-Asp by 17 points at Regents Park.

Dolphins-listed Alex Harnett (two goals) and ruckman Harry Prior were also influential as the Bombers came from 10 points down at half-time to win 10.15 (75) to 8.10 (58). Ryan Marks-Logan, Jason Bedford and Lachlan Avery also did well for the 3-5 Bombers.