MPNFL: How a four-leaf clover is driving Frankston Bombers flag tilt

A lucky charm and written commitment from players are behind Frankston Bombers’ push deep into the MPNFL Division 1 finals.

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston Bombers have adopted a lucky charm in their bid to win the MPNFL Division 1 premiership from fifth spot.

“A four leaf clover gives you a bit of luck and we just need a little bit of luck,” Bombers coach Beau Muston said.

“And we’re using that as part of our theme to move forward through this finals series.

“We had four finals we’ve got to win, there’s four leaves to a clover and we’re pretty invested in it.”

Before the finals started, Muston had Bombers players write four attributes they promised to provide in the team’s quest for glory.

So far, it’s working.

Frankston Bombers have won both of their finals matches to progress to the preliminary final, in which they’ll face Bonbeach.

Muston could be heard reinforcing the four-leaf clover theme to his players during their impressive 45-point win over Mt Eliza in Sunday’s first semi-final.

Jake Batchelor.

Harry Prior.

Although, luck seemed to desert them in the last minute when key forward Jake Batchelor tweaked his hamstring.

The former Richmond 84-gamer had been superb all game, kicking five goals to play a starring role in the 16.12 (108) to 9.9 (63) win.

Muston said Batchelor was a chance to play in the preliminary final.

“I think he’s a potential (chance) to play this week, if he doesn’t play this week he’ll definitely be fine if we’re able to get through (to the grand final),” Muston said.

“It’s definitely not a season ending hammy at this stage I would say.”

Batchelor made his name as a defender in the AFL but has looked comfortable in attack for the Bombers alongside fellow ex-AFL man Jarrad Grant.

The pair fired off nine goals between them in the win over Mt Eliza, while youngster Jai Block slotted three goals.

Muston said Batchelor’s experience as a defender helped him up forward.

“He just knows where the space is and what he probably didn’t like when he was a defender so he’s able to use those smarts and get in position,” he said.

“But he’s really selfless. Batch will get himself out of position to allow Khan (Haretuku) and Jarrad Grant and the smalls to do their work.

“He’s just a team player.

“He’s so invested with our group and just has a real hunger to win obviously as you get towards the end of your career.

“Batch’s last premiership was at Frankston Bombers in 2009 and he hasn’t played in a premiership since. He’s pretty keen to try and give us the chance to be able to have that success as well.”

Frankston Bombers will regain star midfielder Sam Fox for the preliminary final after he missed Sunday’s game due to work commitments.

The Bombers named ruckman Prior as their best afield, with Dale Sutton, Jason Kingsbury, Ryan Marks-Logan and Haretuku also among the best.

For Mt Eliza, the loss brought down the curtain on its 2022 season after it won 12 games. The Redlegs’ best on Sunday were Nicholas MacDonald Girolami, Nathan Scagliarini, Shane Tennant, William Antonie, Lachlan Williams and Lochie Fewster.