MPNFL: Frankston Bombers look to extend Frankston YCW’s run of outs in match of the round

FRANKSTON Bombers coach Beau Muston says the next two rounds will define his side’s season.

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston says the next two games will shape his side’s season. Picture: Chris Eastman

FRANKSTON Bombers coach Beau Muston says the next two rounds will define his side’s season.

The Bombers, fourth, host reigning premiers Frankston YCW on Saturday before facing sixth-placed Pines next round.

“It’s really going to shape our season, so our group is aware that we need to make these next two games really count,’’ Muston said.

The Bombers-YCW clash is huge in the context of the make up of the final five.

Both sides are fighting to stay in the five.

Muston’s Bombers have been in great form, winning four of their past five games, while Frankston YCW are the opposite, stuck in a slump, having gone five games without a win.

“We’re pretty excited this week,’’ Muston said. “We feel like we are playing pretty good footy.

Jarryd Amalfi is having another fine season with the Bombers.

Former Dolphin Corey Buchan is one of the Bombers most reliable players. Pictures: Chris Eastman

“The competition is pretty tight and you need to make every post a winner in these last six games of the year.’’

Muston said the Bombers would be “close to full strength’’, with only the in-form Sam Fox to miss through Vic Country commitments.

Muston himself could slot back into the side for his first game in a month.

Frankston Bombers’ backline, including Corey Buchan, Ben Northover and Jarryd Amalfi, is one of the the best in the competition this season.

Frankston YCW is averaging 7.4 goals a game in its past seven appearances. The Stonecats are also likely to be without key players Lachie Wallace, Christian Ongarello and Brenton Credlin, who are in the Vic Country squad.

Frankston Bomber Brian O’Carroll’s form has gradually risen since coming out of retirement this season. He’s played five games and Muston said his display at half back last week was his best game so far.

O’Carroll, 33, retired after playing in the 2016 grand final but has returned to play alongside side his mates, including Jay Reynolds.

Brian O'Carroll has given the Bombers a boost since returning this season. Picture: Chris Eastman

Rosebud coach Adrian McBean says he’s happy to tackle Pines in the wet weather on Saturday and says his side can cause an upset.

The Buds will be without Greg Bentley for a month after injurying a medial ligament. But McBean says Sean Downie is “killing it for us’’. “He kicked three goals as a midfielder last week. I’m surprised he hasn’t got a call from Frankston (Dolphins).”

In Division 2, Dromana coach Rikki Johnston says his ladder-leading side will be “close to full strength’’ for its game against Devon Meadows on Saturday.

Ben Holmes (29 goals in 9 games) was rested last week but is expected to play, while Reece Wilde and Jay Hutchinson are getting closer to a return.

“We’ve still got guys filtering back in,’’ Johnston said.

“Over the next two to three weeks we will look to solidify our top 24 and try and stick as close to that as we can moving towards the finals.’’

Red Hill and Langwarrin played out a gripping draw in round two and they meet again on Saturday.

DIVISION 1: Saturday: Frankston Bombers v Frankston YCW, Sorrento v Bonbeach, Rosebud v Pines, Edithvale-Aspendale v Seaford. Sunday: Mt Eliza v Mornington.

DIVISION 2: Saturday: Karingal v Pearcedale, Chelsea v Rye, Dromana v Devon Meadows, Red Hill v Langwarrin, Somerville v Crib Point, Hastings v Tyabb.