MPNFL 2019: Sorrento lose key players to overseas adventure

Ladder-leading Sorrento’s depth will be tested with key players jetting off to Europe.

Sorrento coach Luke Tapscott has the Sharks sitting on top of the MPNFL Division 1 ladder at the halfway mark of the season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Summer in Europe — it’s a dream destination, especially for us Melbournians shivering through winter.

And that’s exactly where Sorrento footballers James Brigden, Zach Byrns and Jayden Tomkins are headed.

The trio — all members of Sorrento’s grand final side last season — are off on a four-month adventure, meaning they will miss the rest of the footy season.

They will leave a void in the ladder-leading Sharks side and test the club’s depth.

“It’s not ideal,” Sorrento coach Luke Tapscott said.

“We’ve known about it since the start of the year. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

Sorrento, with an 8-1 record, is on track to contend for the title at the halfway mark of the season.

Sorrento defender James Brigden. Picture: Chris Eastman

Jayden Tomkins.

“The European summer gets a few of them,” Tapscott said.

“Some of them have just finished uni and whatever else so I suppose go and do it while you’re young. But it’s just a little bit annoying that we are going so well and they do it in the middle of the season. Ah well, that’s what happens.”

Sorrento key forward Nick Corp is also heading to Europe, but only for two weeks. He will miss just one game (against Dromana on July 13).

Sorrento also has its share of injury concerns at the moment.

It’s understood leading goal kicker Leigh Poholke and former North Melbourne midfielder Sam Gibson have leg issues, while Tapscott continues to battle leg complaints.

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He says while the troublesome knee that has sidelined him for most of the season is “all good”, he now has a heel injury.

“I’ve got bone bruising on the heel,” Tapscott said.

“Nothing too serious but it’s pretty painful.

“I’m trying to rest so it doesn’t linger for the rest of the year.”

So, is there any good news on the horizon for the Sharks? Yes, Nick Marston and Daniel Grant are due to return from injury soon.