MPNFL Division 1: Josh Butland overcomes broken back to help Frankston YCW gets its campaign back on track

YOUNG forward Josh Butland returned from a broken back on Saturday to help Frankston YCW put its season back on track in MPNFL Division 1.

YOUNG forward Josh Butland returned from a broken back on Saturday to help Frankston YCW put its season back on track in MPNFL Division 1.

Butland, who suffered the injury in round eight against Rosebud after a knee to the back, kicked two early goals as the Stonecats’ sprang back to form with a 68-point win over second-placed Edi-Asp at Coburn Oval.

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It ended a run of six winless games by YC and is a shot of energy to their hopes of making the finals for a 16th consecutive season (they are in sixth spot, two points out).

Butland, Paul Minchington, Riley Hodson, Lachlan Wallace and Jacob Cheverly came back into the YCW side and all contributed as the Stonecats turned a 13-point quarter-time deficit into a sparkling 17.8 (110) to 6.6 (42) victory.

Frankston YCW coach Wayne Capp said Butland showed determination to return to the side.

“He’s one of those kids who just loves footy and he did everything he possibly could and ended up being back a bit earlier than originally expected,’’ Capp said.

“He’s a beauty, he makes a difference.’’

Edithvale-Aspendale clashes with Frankston YCW on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

The Stonecats got better as the game went on, with Kyle Hutchison capping a best-on-ground display with four goals and Christian Ongarello, Michael Debenham and Cheverly being influential.

Capp says YCW needs to win three of its last four games to make the top five.

“We’ve just got to keep winning,’’ he said.

“It was pretty special yesterday afternoon, it was a great feeling after all the adversity, to have a win against a really good opposition and a team we respect so much was brilliant. The vibe around the place was terrific. We are a really looking forward to the next month.’’

Edi-Asp coach Graeme Yeats said his side was “taught a lesson’’ by YCW.

Key man Josh Butland stretches for a mark for Frankston YCW. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

“You write them off at your peril, they are still a very, very good team,’’ Yeats said of YC. “They went to town on us yesterday, that’s for sure, they taught us a lesson.

“They monstered us around the ball, bullied us all around the ground and they taught us a lesson in how to work together as a group. We were really found out in a lot of areas.’’

A blistering nine-goal opening quarter set up Pines’ eye-popping 21.11 (137) to 11.12 (78) win over the Frankston Bombers at Eric Bell Reserve.

Frankston YCW’s Jacob Cheverley drives forward during his team’s victory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

By halftime, the Pythons had scorched to a 54-point lead and had the game in their keeping.

In only his second game for the season, Aaron Ludewig slotted four goals for Pines, working well alongside Aaron Edwards (three goals).

Pines coach Paddy Swayn said his side’s on-ballers were red-hot early.

“We brained them in the centre clearances in the first quarter,’’ he said.

“That was on the back of Beau Hendry, Lachy Marshall, Paul Scanlon, Perry Lewis-Smith, Jacob Boyle — our inside midfielders did a great job.’’

Pines went to fourth spot, above the Bombers who are in fifth spot.

“You’ve got to win 10 (to make finals),’’ Swayn said. “We’ve got the best percentage in the comp so if we can win 10 we will get in I reckon.’’

Sam Fox slotted four goals to be the Bombers’ best player, and Corey Micari tried hard.

Mitch Hallahan kicked the matchwinning goal as Sorrento edged Mornington by two points, 10.17 (77) to 12.3 (75), in a thriller at McFarlane Reserve.

“We were in front all day,’’ Mornington coach Simon Goosey lamented.

“Even Sorrento said we played the better footy. Unfortunately, it was virtually the last shot at goal. Then we had it in our forward line when the siren went.’’

Liam Hulett from Edithvale-Aspendale finds himself sandwiched on the ground. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Hallahan was best-on-ground, while Nick Marston, James Brigden and Shannon Gladman (three goals) were also key figures for Sorrento, which remains a game clear on top.

For Mornington, Joel Miller continued his superb season and Jackson Calder slotted three goals.

Mt Eliza kicked the only three goals of the last quarter to beat Bonbeach 9.6 (60) to 6.6 (42) and end the Sharks’ finals chances.

Exciting teenager Luca Goonan was superb for the Redlegs, along with Ben Landry, Mitch McCarthy, Tom Freeman and Robbie Turnbull. Skipper Shane Tennant enjoyed a rare stint up forward, kicking two goals as Mt Eliza consolidated third spot.