MPNFL: Reigning premiers Pines sign Pearcedale young gun

PINES has been partying this week — and picking up recruits for next season.

Russell Gabriel, pictured playing for the Frankston Dolphins in 2014, competes against Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy in the VFL.

PINES has been partying this week — and picking up recruits at the same time.

The premiership-winning Pythons have signed Pearcedale young gun Luke Dalmau and are on the verge of securing former Frankston Dolphins ruckman Russell Gabriel.

It’s been a productive period for Pines, which beat Sorrento by a point in an epic MPNFL Division 1 grand final on Sunday.

Pythons coach Paddy Swayn revealed the club was also in the running to snare a couple of AFL players in the coming weeks.

Luke Dalmau playing for Pearcedale this season.

“There are a couple of AFL blokes who have got to wait to see if they get contracts,’’ Swayn said.

“They said, ‘if we don’t get contracts, well, we want to come play for you’.’’

Dalmau is a former Vic Country representative and Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest winner.

“He’s a great signing because he’s a young fella who will get better,’’ Swayn said.

Swayn said Pines was “95 percent’’ sure of gaining Gabriel, who has played with Doveton in recent seasons.

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