MPNFL: Frankston YCW’s era of domination rolls on in Division 1

The Stonecats have won their eighth Mornington Peninsula league premiership since 2010 — but a moment after the grand final stunned coach Paul Goonan.

September specialists Frankston YCW dug deep in the final quarter to claim the Division 1 flag in the Mornington Peninsula league on Sunday.

The Stonecats kicked four goals to one in the fourth term to beat Bonbeach by 26 points, 10.11 (71) to 6.9 (45), in front of a big crowd that braved inclement weather at Frankston Park.

Bonbeach was chasing its first premiership in 38 years and stormed to within seven points of the lead at three quarter-time.

But Frankston YCW withstood the challenge and flicked on the afterburners when it mattered most, moving the ball swiftly and taking their opportunities in front of goal at the Kars St end in the last quarter.

Frankston YCW’s powerful midfielder Brenton Lambert was influential throughout and was rewarded with the best-on-ground medal.

Brenton Lambert.

Stonecats star Kyle Hutchison was involved in several clutch plays in the last quarter, including a brilliant snap goal out of a pack that put his side 14 points ahead.

He then had a hand in Christian Tsiampas’ goal and again when Josh Patullo ran into an open goal and thumped the ball over Kars St, sealing victory for the Stonecats.

Frankston YCW’s semi-final hero Luke Paynter was busy in the second half and young midfielder Luca Goonan was strong and tough inside.

Ruckman Zach Barrett fought hard, especially in the first half.

The Stonecats youngsters behind the footy, Max Gregory and Henry Berenger, were outstanding, composed and clinical in the hottest game of the year.

Frankston YCW raise the cup.

Bonbeach's David Armitage congratulates YCW's Kyle Hutchison.

YCW co-captains Kev Lylak and Blake Mullane led from the front.

Young Stonecats defender Mack Hura had the big job on Bonbeach champ Shane McDonald and although McDonald had his moments, including kicking successive goals in the third term, Hura played his role well.

No goals were scored in the first quarter but YCW kicked five to Bonbeach’s one in the second term to open up a 29-point lead at half-time.

Frankston YCW coach Paul Goonan said Bonbeach’s third term surge put the Stonecats “back in our spot a bit”.

“We knew they’d throw everything at it in that third quarter because it was definitely the scoring end,” Goonan said.

“Mind you, they got away from us a little bit in that third quarter.

“We knew they’d come at us hard, they’re a good side, a good club and their good players got on top for a bit there and we couldn’t stop them.”

Goonan said Hutchison’s influence in the last term was crucial.

“He always does, he manages to bring a little bit of magic when we need it,” he said.

“He’s got a habit of doing that, stepping up in big moments in big games. He’s done it for years.”

Hutchison and fellow Stonecats champion Byron Barry boast an incredible record: they are now eight-time premiership players.

Michael Goonan presents the premiership trophy.

Paul Goonan.

There was a special moment at the presentation after the game when Goonan’s father, YCW club legend Michael, suddenly appeared and handed over the premiership cup.

“It blew me away, I had no idea,” Paul Goonan said.

It was Frankston YCW’s eighth senior flag since 2010, a 13-year period of unprecedented domination.

The club’s reserves also won the flag on Sunday.

“It’s a great club,” Goonan said.

“It’s not fluke or chance or luck.

“They put a lot of work into it and they make it what it is.

“That’s the thing I’m really proud of I think…you get what you deserve in football, so the more you put in and the harder work you do, the better you get.”

Goonan said his side’s theme for the day was, ‘why do we play?’.

“And we play for these opportunities to be able to get something,” he said.

“We did 38 pre-season sessions and 48 in-season training sessions.

“That’s why you do all the hard work, to get an opportunity to do what you did today. I’m really proud of our club.

“It’s the opportunity to do something great with the blokes that you’ve done so much work with.”

Goonan has now joined the elite club of those to have won premierships as both player and coach at the same club.

He played in Frankston YCW’s 1989 and ‘93 premierships (and was dropped for the grand final when the Stonecats won the flag in ‘91).

“It’s a bit of a pinch me moment now I’m coach of a club that my family has had such a long involvement in…I walked in here in 1977 as a little kid playing under 6s or whatever it was in those days,’’ he said.

“And now I’m back here as a coach. It’s a bit overwhelming.”