MPNFL 2019: Jarrad Grant in sizzling form as Frankston Bombers beat Bonbeach

With a point to prove, former Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns forward Jarrad Grant has made a sizzling start to the season with the Frankston Bombers.

Sorrento ruckman Luke Lowden had a good battle with Frankston YCW’s Daniel Hughes on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

With a point to prove, former Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns forward Jarrad Grant made a sizzling start to the season with the Frankston Bombers on Saturday.

Grant kicked 7.1 to help the Bombers edge Bonbeach 15.11 (101) to 15.4 (94) in a tense Division 1 clash at Baxter Park.

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“I think he probably has a bit of a point to prove this year,’’ Bombers coach Beau Muston said.

“I think he wasn’t overly happy with the way he played last year and he’s just come with a new, refreshed mindset of wanting to really get better and compete and be a good leader. He’s helped me a lot with some good coaching stuff which is really pleasing.’’

Jarrad Grant playing for the Gold Coast Suns in 2016. Pic: Michael Klein

Dale Sutton in the midfield was also instrumental for the Frankston Bombers, as was former Pearcedale ruckman Harry Prior, who kicked two goals and did well against Bonny’s Dylan Jones. Zach Longham and Koby Villis kicked two goals apiece for the winners.

Bonbeach’s best were Shane McDonald and Gary Carpenter, while Jason Ferraro slotted four goals and Trent Dennis-Lane and Jo Fisscher three apiece.

The Bombers came from 10 points behind in the last quarter to bank the four points.

“It was a good battle, I didn’t know which way it would go until the last minute,’’ Muston said.

Reigning premiers Pines began its title defence with a fast-finishing 16-point win over a spirited Mt Eliza at Madsen Reserve.

The Pythons, missing eight players from their grand final side, including Aaron Edwards, kicked four goals straight in the last quarter to win 12.12 (84) to 10.8 (68).

Action from Saturday’s Frankston YCW - Sorrento game. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We did what we had to do, it was good,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

Pines ball magnet Luke Potts was a stand-out, combining well with his former Dolphins teammate Russell Gabriel, who was super on debut for the Pythons. Nick Boswell, Guy Hendry (four goals) and Perry Lewis-Smith also sparkled for the winners.

Edwards is still a few weeks away from playing as he recovers from a torn hamstring sustained while playing for New Zealand.

Mt Eliza recruit Shawn Watson, a big, strong Queenslander, made an impressive Redlegs debut, kicking two goals in the opening quarter and finishing with five. Mason DeWit, Sam Gill and Ethan Park tried hard for the Redlegs.

A best-on-ground display by Beau Cosson helped Dromana make a winning debut in the top flight, beating Rosebud 11.8 (74) to 5.11 (41) at Olympic Reserve.

After an even first half, last season’s Division 2 premiers finished full of running.

“We thought we could run over the top of them and it panned out that way,’’ Dromana coach Rikki Johnston said.

“They were a bit bigger and heavier than us and we were probably a bit lighter, a bit younger and had a bit more run in the legs.’’

Playing on a wing and at half back, Cosson won a couple of key one-on-one contests and racked up the touches before sustaining a facial laceration.

Dromana’s dynamic forward duo of Ethan Johnstone (four goals) and Sam Fowler (two) ran hot. “He (Johnstone) and Sammy Fowler are going to cause a lot of headaches this year, I can see that already,’’ Johnston said.

Former Stingray Reid Nanscawen was Rosebud’s best along with Ben Dwyer and Daniel Lewis.

Former North Melbourne and Adelaide midfielder Sam Gibson was among Sorrento’s best players as the Sharks turned a quarter-time deficit of 40 points into a rousing 13-point victory over Frankston YCW at Jubilee Park.

Gibson capped a hard-running display with a goal in the last quarter as the Sharks won 17.7 (109) to 13.18 (96).

Sorrento’s other star recruit, former Hawk Luke Lowden, dominated the ruck tap outs, giving first use to Gibson, Mitch Hallahan, Shannon Gladman, Luke Tapscott and co.

Strong debut: Sam Gibson was one of Sorrento’s best.

Sorrento coach Luke Tapscott addresses his players at three quarter-time.

Leigh Poholke slotted four goals for the Sharks, who made their winning move in the third quarter, kicking seven goals to one.

Frankston YCW lost despite kicking seven of the first eight goals of the game and having seven more scoring shots. Their best were Daniel Hughes, Lachie Wallace and Matt La Fontaine.

Edithvale-Aspendale shot to top spot after a comprehensive win over Mornington, 12.25 (97) to 7.10 (52).

Former Noble Park star Shayne Allan capped a best-on-ground display with three goals, while Michael Bussey (three), Nick Connellan, Trent Robertson and Charlie Martello played their roles. Jackson Calder booted four goals for Mornington and Jai Richardson did well.

Next week: Mornington v Frankston YCW, Sorrento v Mt Eliza, Dromana v Frankston Bombers, Pines v Edi-Asp, Bonbeach v Rosebud.