MPNFL 2019: Red Hill wins through to Division 2 grand final

Red Hill has earned the right to play for a second flag — 29 years after its first.

Red Hill players belt out the club song after defeating Langwarrin. Picture: Chris Eastman

Red Hill will bid for its first premiership in 29 years after beating Langwarrin by 40 points in the MPNFL Division 2 second semi-final on Saturday.

The Hillmen, whose only flag was in 1990, will take a sense of belief into the grand final at Frankston Park on Saturday, September 7.

“The boys are excited, the club’s excited,’’ Red Hill coach Jamie Mollo said.

“We want to enjoy the moment and not be overawed, actually celebrate the fact we’ve had a great year…and then really crack into the game when it’s time.’’

Red Hill slammed on seven goals in the last quarter to pull away from Langwarrin and win 15.11 (101) to 9.7 (61) at a windswept Chelsea Reserve.

Langwarrin’s Jesse Murrphy is tackled by Red Hill’s James Fletcher. Picture: Chris Eastman

The Hillmen trailed by 22 points at quarter-time after Langwarrin made a speedy start with the wind.

Red Hill made the most of its turn with the wind in the second term, piling on seven goals to surge 21 points ahead at halftime.

Red Hill forward Jonathon Ross on the move.

Red Hill’s Kyle Beveridge was best-on-ground Pictures: Chris Eastman

Mollo said his side’s determined defensive effort against the wind in the third quarter, when it held Langy to two goals, was the match-winning moment.

“We defended against it really well which is probably where the game was won in that third quarter,’’ Mollo said.

“We had a mindset to hold them to a couple of goals and defend really hard and we were able to do that which kept our lead going into the last.’’

Taking a 10-point lead into the last quarter, Red Hill kicked clear, with Jono Ross slotting three goals in the term to finish with five for the game.

Kyle Beveridge was named best afield after keeping Langwarrin midfielder Tim McGenniss quiet while slotting two goals himself.

Teenage Red Hill defender Dan Frampton was a pillar of strength, and Jake Mold, Ross and ruck due Harry Wynn-Pope and Zach Vines were also influential.

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Key Red Hill player Jonah Siversen went off in the second quarter after a head knock and didn’t return, but Mollo said it was only precautionary.

For Langwarrin, which will contest the preliminary final, Ash Fenech, Gerard Brown, Joel Bateman, Luke Churcher and Jesse Murphy (three goals) were named best.