MPNFL 2022: Goal after siren keeps Pines’ finals hopes alive in Division 1
Pines’ finals hopes still have a pulse after a premiership captain slotted a goal after the siren to snatch victory in MPNFL Division 1.
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There was pressure, and loads of it.
But Beau Hendry held his nerve and kicked truly, his goal after the siren at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday giving Pines a vital five-point win over a hapless Rosebud and keeping the Pythons’ finals hopes alive.
Hendry’s kick was from about 25 metres in front.
Pines won 9.18 (72) to 9.13 (67).
The 2018 premiership captain then had a question for his coach Paddy Swayn in the rooms.
“He said, ‘did you back me?’,’’ Swayn said.
“I just kept thinking it’s going to be another draw.
“I thought surely he’ll score.
“I must admit that’s what I was thinking, what if it’s a draw? I thought if he misses we’ve still got a heartbeat.”
Vision of the goal shows how much it meant to Pines, which is in seventh spot, half-a-game out of the top five.
Once Hendry kicked it, the camera panned to the Pythons bench where Swayn pumped the air and turned to see his daughter Piper leap into his arms.
“She was rapt,’’ Swayn said.
“I had the little burst where I was pumped and then I thought someone’s just lost a game so don’t go over the top.’’
While Pines was jubilant, it was heartache for Rosebud which is in a desperate fight to avoid relegation.
The Buds did all they could to get a second win but it was cruelly ripped from their grasp.
Rosebud faces Edi-Asp next weekend in a relegation battle.
For Pines, former AFL player Shane Savage was superb, racking up 30 touches and kicking two goals, including a 55 metre ripper on the run.
Nick Boswell, Nick Braund and Jonathan Hughes were also terrific for Pines.
Youngster Ned Moodie and ruckman Russell Gabriel were also named in Pines’ best.
In other games:
*Dromana climbed back to fourth spot with a resounding 46-point win over Sorrento, 10.12 (72) to 3.8 (26). Sam Geurts, Billy Quigley, Dean Waugh and Jayden Tooth were outstanding for the Tigers, and Jordan Andrews kicked three goals.
*Red Hill rallied to score a gripping two-point win over Frankston Bombers. James Fletcher, Shea Mitchell, Tynan Bressan, Marcus Dal Lago and Jake Di Pasquale, who kicked three goals, were instrumental for the Hillmen. It was a stinging loss for the Frankston Bombers, who slipped to fifth spot, in a battle to make finals.
*Mt Eliza continued its march to the finals with a comprehensive 51-point win over Edi-Asp. Redlegs ruckman Max Mourney was named best-on-ground, while Finlay Bayne, Tom Small and former Carlton-AFL listed Fraser Phillips, who kicked four goals, were outstanding.
*Ladder leaders Frankston YCW thrashed Bonbeach by 62 points under lights at Frankston Park on Saturday night. Josh Patullo and Matt Troutbeck kicked five goals apiece for the Stonecats, while champion Kyle Hutchison was among the best players in his 250th game. Byron Barry, Luca Goonan and Kaiya Deas also starred.
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