MPNFL 2019: Macgowan provides grunt as Mornington secures first win of season

Mornington has produced a spirited performance to beat Frankston Bombers and secure its first win of the season.

Frankston YCW forward Luke Paynter celebrates one of his four goals against Edi-Asp on Saturday. Picture: Chris Eastman

Mornington coach Simon Goosey has dismissed relegation murmurings as “outside noise’’ after his Bulldogs bit back hard to notch its first win of the season in MPNFL Division 1 on Saturday.

The Dogs — now 1-6 but still on the bottom of the ladder — played with plenty of spirit to upset the Frankston Bombers by 14 points, 13.8 (86) to 10.12 (72), at Alexandra Park.

Mornington has never been relegated in its 131-year history, always competing in the top division.

After six losses to start the 2019 season, Saturday’s win was much-needed.

“We’ve been the same, the attitude hasn’t altered much from week to week,’’ Goosey said.

“We’ve still got goals. The outside noise, you know, you listen to everyone’s doom and gloom but around the place there is a lot of spirit.’’

Mornington coach Simon Goosey.

Wholehearted ruckman Michael Macgowan provided grunt for the Bulldogs, while Kalen Bird, in his 50th senior game, did a good job on Bombers prime mover Dale Sutton.

Josh Brown’s hardness and pressure around the contest was key, Adrian Speedy was prominent and Warwick Miller booted four goals.

“We just got the balance around the ball a little bit better,’’ Goosey said. “We just played better as a team.’’

Goosey coached with the aid of a crutch after having a hip replacement two weeks ago.

Frankston Bombers’ loss came after they beat Sorrento last round. VFL-listed Alex Harnett, with four goals, was named their best player.

A last-minute goal by Josh Butland, from a strong contested mark in the goal square, helped Frankston YCW snatch a two-point win over a gallant Edi-Asp at John Coburn Oval.

Edi-Asp’s Brett Dore handballs in front of YC’s Michael Debenham (No 9). Picture: Chris Eastman

Timing their run perfectly, the Stonecats won 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) to deny what would have been a rousing backs-to-the-wall win for Graeme Yeats’ Eagles, who have lost six in a row.

YCW forward Luke Paynter executed the play of the game midway through the last term when he chased down Edi-Asp skipper Steve Mannix in the back pocket, gathered the loose ball and snapped a brilliant goal to cut the Eagles’ lead to three points.

Paynter finished with four goals as Frankston YCW improved its record to 4-3.

“It was really good to see a couple of the young blokes stand up,’’ YC coach Wayne Capp said of Paynter and Butland.

Edi-Asp players before the opening bounce. Picture: Chris Eastman

YC’s best included champion defender Byron Barry, star midfielder Matt La Fontaine and young gun Mack Hura. Pacy Angus Wright made an impressive return to the seniors after a long injury lay-off.

The Stonecats, though, lost Christian Ongarello (calf) and debutant Grant Lofthouse (hamstring) to injury during the game.

“I was really pleased we guts it out, while not playing very well we managed to scramble a win,’’ Capp said.

Eagles captain Steve Mannix. Picture: Chris Eastman

Edi-Asp had plenty of contributors, including Sam Monaghan, Shayne Allan, Michael Bussey and young defender Charlie Martello.

Dromana announced itself as a genuine title contender with a 38-point win over reigning premier Pines.

The Tigers kicked five goals in the first and fourth quarters to record a comfortable 14.4 (88) to 7.8 (50) win, with Billy Quigley, Jay Hutchinson, Zac Muschialli and Reece Wilde instrumental.

Luke Paynter slots a goal. Picture: Chris Eastman

Sam Fowler (four goals) and Ethan Johnstone (three) were a handful for Pines’ defenders.

Dromana, after winning the Division 2 flag last season, has beaten Mt Eliza, Edi-Asp and now Pines in its past three outings to consolidate third spot. Tigers coach Rikki Johnston said before the season his side would surprise a few people and, so far, he’s been vindicated.

Spearhead Leigh Poholke produced a masterclass in front of goal to lead Sorrento to a thumping 85-point win over Bonbeach.

Poholke was unstoppable with eight goals as the Sharks won 20.14 (134) to 8.1 (49) to reclaim top spot.

The Sharks flexed their muscles with a nine-goal third quarter to scoot 77 points clear.

Sorrento had many other avenues to goal — all up the Sharks had 11 goal kickers, including James Hallahan with three majors. Jye Lloyd played his best game for the club, while Jake Di Pasquale, Ethan King, Sam Gibson and Chad Harris impressed.

At Emil Madsen Reserve, Mt Eliza kicked five unanswered goals in the last quarter to secure a 10.13 (73) to 5.5 (35) win over Rosebud.

It was an arm wrestle for three quarters before the Redlegs found another gear with Shane Tennant, Ryan McGannon, Bailey Breen, Luca Goonan and Mitch McCarthy showing the way.

James Hammond and Harrison Scott kicked three goals apiece, while Jonathan Ristrom slotted two in the last term. Rosebud’s best were Jari Kennedy, Matt Baker and Jackson McRae.