MPNFL: Pearcedale wins qualifying final, dares to dream

Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac says a special trait is fuelling his side’s thrilling charge in MPNFL Division 2. See a gallery of pics from the Dales’ first finals victory in a decade.

Pearcedale’s Archie McGuiness and Luke Jennings celebrate a goal on Sunday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Everywhere you look there’s young talent.

Pearcedale is bursting at the seams with quality and motivation as it laps up a return to footy finals for the first time in nine years.

The Dales stormed home to beat Devon Meadows by 27 points in last Sunday’s MPNFL Division 2 elimination final, and will now tackle Karingal in a first semi-final this Sunday.

The Dales are riding a wave of momentum.

And their coach Peter Bastinac is urging them to continue playing on instinct.

“They’ve been terrific these boys,’’ he said.

“You set them a task and they just go ahead and do it.’’

Pearcedale’s Nathan Mckenzie.

Devon Meadows captain Joel Hillis is tackled by Connor Benwell.

Bastinac has coached premierships and various clubs but says this Pearcedale side, driven by a bunch of close mates, is unique.

“Nothing really fazes them, it’s hard to explain,’’ he said.

“I think when you’ve played in teams that have been beaten really badly, I think they’ve seen the worst that can happen on the footy field.

“It’s like they just go out there and play game by game. It’s hard to put it into words.

“They just go out and play. They’re not fussed, they’re not overawed by the occasion.

You would think they would be a bit nervous — I’m sure they were — but they certainly handled the occasion really well.’’

Robbie Arnott boots Pearcedale into attack.

Pearcedale and Devon Meadows battle it out.

With Cruiz West, Archie McGuiness and Travis Bravo starring, the Dales kicked three unanswered goals in the last quarter to run away with it.

Pearcedale small forward Luke Jennings set the game alight in the second quarter with three goals in as many minutes in a spectacular display.

Pearcedale players celebrate a Luke Jennings goal.

Dales ruckman Huw Jones goes up against Devon’s Brayden Haynes.

Pearcedale ruckman Huw Jones relished the finals atmosphere by producing his best-ever game. He was named best afield.

Luke Daniel was huge, slotting a game-high four goals.

Ryan and Jordan Bastinac showed class and poise throughout.

Bastinac said Jennings deserved his moment in the sun “for all the work he’s done’’.

The Dales celebrated every goal with gusto. And the club’s loyal fans whooped it up, too.

“Absolutely. Let them enjoy it. Enjoy these moments,’’ Bastinac said.