MPNFL: Pearcedale a club on the rise in Division 2

Ryan Bastinac is going flat out to help Pearcedale snap a decade-long finals drought in the MPNFL — and his impact is much more than just on the stats sheet.

Ryan Bastinac has been outstanding for Pearcedale. Picture: Doug Farr

Cancelled and delayed flights are a constant source of frustration for Ryan Bastinac these days.

Each week, the former AFL Kangaroo and Lion travels from his Brisbane home to play for Pearcedale, coached by his dad Peter, in the Mornington Peninsula league.

His form has been so good that opposition sides probably wish for a plane strike.

Bastinac is averaging nearly 40 touches and has been in Pearcedale’s best players in almost every game as the Dales have dashed to 6-2, sitting second on the Division 2 ladder.

But, according to Peter, Ryan’s impact on the team is much more than his high number of possessions.

“He’s just helping other players, that’s the big plus having him in the team, it’s his ability to bring a lot of players with him,’’ Peter said.

“I look at Kaolan Thornton. His year has been outstanding and I think he’s really enjoying playing alongside Ryan.”

Kaolan Thornton boots a goal. Picture: Doug Farr

Bastinac played in Pearcedale’s under-16 premiership in 2007 before embarking on his journey to the elite level.

Pearcedale made it four wins in row on Saturday when it pulled clear of Rye after half-time to win by 51 points, 15.13 (103) to 7.10 (52).

The Dales drilled four unanswered goals in the second quarter to open up a 25-point lead before piling on another six in the third term.

Up forward, Luke Daniel and Cruiz West were at times electric, kicking five and three goals respectively.

Luke Jennings played his best game for the club, while first gamer Jason Angus had the big job on Rye sharpshooter Andrew Dean and did well, even though Dean kicked five.

In the ruck, Huw Jones led Pearcedale brilliantly. “We ask a lot of him every week,” coach Bastinac said.

Jake Frawley. Picture: Doug Farr

Archie McGuiness. Picture: Doug Farr

Jake Frawley was also among the Dales best, continuing his impressive form, and Jordan Bastinac was again influential.

“And kids like Archie McGuiness, Luke Daniel and Cruiz West, they’re just starting to hit their straps now I reckon,” Bastinac said.

“They’re very composed…they’re not getting flustered, they’ve been there and done that, I suppose, and now they’re enjoying some wins.”

Pearcedale hasn’t played finals since 2013.

The Dales won four games last season and their rise in 2022 is being enjoyed by players and supporters alike.

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac. Picture: Doug Farr

Bastinac said the club was chock-full of potential.

“I just think there’s some really good talent at Pearcedale and we’re still working through it,” Bastinac said.

“I’ve already used 34 players this year. So we’re trying to expose as many of our talented youngsters as we can and I think they’re just enjoying where they’re at at the minute, obviously being competitive and winning games gives them great belief.”

Bastinac says the Dales can get better.

“I think we’ll be better in the second half of the year,” he said.

“But at the moment I can’t complain.“

Pearcedale has managed to keep winning despite a rising injury list.

Club captain David Hussey’s ACL didn’t repair so he’s had another operation, Luke Sparks did his ACL, Cade Tauber did his knee and Beau Scoble has had an ankle reconstruction.

“We don’t muck around at Pearcedale, when we get injured we get injured properly,’’ Bastinac said wryly.

Pearcedale hosts undefeated Langwarrin on Saturday.