Local footy: MPNFL Division 1 preview, analysis for 2021 season
Several ex-AFL players will run out for Mornington Peninsula Division 1 clubs in 2021. Here’s the ins and outs for each club and our predictions.
Mornington
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It shapes up as a wide-open and intriguing Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League Division 1 season.
Dromana won the flag two years ago but can expect stiff opposition in 2021.
Clubs have brought in the big names as they chase the top prize.
Former AFL players Myles Poholke, David Armitage, Sam Gilbert, Lewis Pierce and Steve Morris have joined MPNFL Division 1 clubs.
Two blockbuster games will get the season underway on Good Friday — Dromana hosting Red Hill and Bonbeach up against Edi-Asp.
Sorrento will face Rosebud on Easter Saturday. The remaining clubs will start their campaigns next week.
BONBEACH
Coach: Adrian Connolly (new)
Captain: Jackson Casey
2019 finish: Third
Ins: David Armitage (Collegians), Sam Gilbert (Old Haileyburians), Liam Hulett (Edi-Asp), Jason Ferraro (Hastings), Justin Bennett (AFL Barwon), Michael Turville, Daniel Tocher, James Carcassi
Outs: Dylan Jones (VAFA), Gary Carpenter (Chelsea Heights)
Prediction: Top three
Bonbeach has gone all out to end its 37-year premiership drought, signing star recruits and putting together an astute team off the ground. Former Saints Armitage and Gilbert could take the Sharks to the Holy Grail, and Bonny champion Shane McDonald deserves a fairytale finish to his brilliant, loyal career.
DROMANA
Coach: Matt Price (new)
Captain: Terry Wheeler
2019 finish: First
Ins: Matt Lee (Narre Warren), Sam Fletcher (Gold Coast), John Ristrom, (Mt Eliza), Nath Soligo (EFL), Devin Vance and Gabriele Nocella (Rye)
Outs: Rikki Johnston and Ben Holmes (retired), Dane Leyden-Kozikas, Rory Gregg, Rohan Bleeker, Majok Puok (all to Carrum Patterson Lakes)
Prediction: 3-6
It’s a time of change for the Tigers, with only 10 players remaining from their 2019 premiership side. But with quality recruits, coupled with a talented young crop pushing up, should see them push for finals.
EDITHVALE-ASPENDALE
Coach: Ben Walker (new)
Captain: Steve Mannix
2019 finish: Ninth
Ins: Tom Rourke (Heathmont), Anthony Carroll (Tarwin), Hayden Lobb (Mt Eliza), Kyah Karavasilis (Karingal), Reece Orchard
Outs: Nick Connellan, Brett Dore, Tim Mannix, Tim Kelly, Chris Wylie (all retired), William Flavelle (Foster), Luke Macquire (Parkdale Vultures)
Prediction: 5-8
Premiership Eagle Ben Walker is sure to have his men well prepared and motivated. They’ll need to win the close ones to be a top-five contender. Former EFL gun Tom Rourke will add grunt to the midfield.
FRANKSTON BOMBERS
Coach: Beau Muston
Captain: Sam Fox
2019 finish: Seventh
Ins: Khan Haretuku (Port Melbourne), Jarryd Amalfi (Langwarrin), Mitch Bosward (returning), Sam Fox (Sandringham), Josh Chapman (returning), Sam Pickess (returning), Chase Harris (Devon Meadows)
Outs: Nil
Prediction: Top three
Quality recruits have the Bombers set to soar. Sam Fox will lead the side, with Khan Haretuku to be a huge influence. Motivation will be high. Anything is possible for the Bombers in ‘21.
FRANKSTON YCW
Coach: Paul Goonan (new)
Captain: Kevin Lylak
2019 finish: Fifth
Ins: Blake Mullane (Frankston Dolphins), Matt Briggs (Rowville) Jake Millward (Dromana) Matt Troutbeck (Bentleigh), Luca Goonan (Mt Eliza), Brenton Lambert (Mt Eliza), Josh Dow, Jordan Verdouw
Outs: Matt Debenham (Warragul Industrials), Scott MacLeod (Chelsea), Daniel Hughes (Sorrento), Ryan Santon (Tarwin)
Prediction: Top four
You can pencil the Stonecats in as a finals contender at the start of every season. Their list looks strong, with Mullane, Lambert and Troutbeck splendid acquisitions and notably BJ Credlin is back full time from the VFL.
MT ELIZA
Coach: Steve Brattle (new)
Captain: Shane Tennant
2019 finish: Eighth
Ins: Lewis Pierce (St Kilda), Jeremy Goddard (WAFL Claremont, Frankston VFL), Jordan Rouse and Zac Rouse (Wodonga Raiders), Tom Kelly (Warragul), Dan Coffield (Sandringham), Matthew McGannon (Port Melbourne), Jeremy Burton (NAB/Frankston), Darren Booth (Mildura), Jay Naratzaglou
Outs: Joe Brooks (Maffra), Kyle Docherty (Corowa-Rutherglen), Ethan Park (Fish Creek), Jarrah Burgess (Thorpdale)
Prediction: 4-7
The Redlegs are ready to roar. Reports are they are hard fit and will have access to many of their VFL players early in the season. Ex-Saints ruckman Lewis Pierce is raring to go.
PINES
Coach: Paddy Swayn
Captain: Beau Hendry
2019 finish: Fourth
Ins: Liam Boyd, Jake Ryan, Kade Mirra, Jayden Adams, Ned Moodie, Xavier Donnazon
Outs: Aaron Edwards, Luke Potts (St Kilda City), Russell Gabriel (Hampton Park), Daniel John (AFL Sydney)
Prediction: 6-9
The Pythons will be a lot younger than in recent seasons but they’ll also have loads of talent. The Hendry boys’ strong leadership will be vital as some exciting youngsters emerge.
ROSEBUD
Coach: Nick Jewell
Captain: Greg Bentley
2019 finish: Sixth
Ins: Dale Marshall (Carlton VFL), Nick Batsanis (Doncaster East), Mitch Dempster (Narre Warren), Jai Nanscawen (SANFL), Rob Forrest (returning), Bart Wallace (returning), Ryan Einsporn (EFL), Tom Baker (Rye). *Sean Downie and Reid Nanscawen are back full time from VFL.
Outs: Daniel Lewis (retired), Tim Lincoln (retired)
Prediction: 3-5
The Buds will field a strong side with a good blend of youth and experience. Given luck with injuries, this could be a memorable year for Rosebud.
RED HILL
Coach: Jamie Mollo
Captain: Marcus Dal Lago
2019 finish: First (in Division 2)
Ins: Steve Morris (Richmond), Andy Mathers (Karingal), Tyler Wooster (Canterbury), Liam Harris (Edi-Asp), Jake Di Pasquale (Sorrento), Dylan Hoare (back from overseas)
Outs: Kyle Beveridge
Prediction: 4-7
The Hillmen have waited 18 months to strut their stuff in Division 1. They’ve added some quality recruits to an already exciting, well-drilled unit. And they know how to win games of footy.
SORRENTO
Coach: Luke Tapscott
Captain: James Hallahan
2019 finish: Second
Ins: Myles Poholke (Adelaide Crows), Robbie Turnball (Mt Eliza), Liam Frazer (Balwyn), Imo Jackson (Aberfeldie), Jake Steinhart (Old Trinity), Will Johnson (Collegians), Matt Wilson (St Kilda City), Luke Bakewell (Berwick), Ben Cromb, Daniel Hughes (Frankston YCW)
Outs: Jake Di Pasquale (Red Hill), Chad Harris (Subiaco), Matthew Dobrowolski (Palm Beach), Luke Lowden (retired), Tom Langford (Waverley Blues)
Prediction: Top two
Big on talent, the Sharks will start the season as the side to beat. Straight out of the AFL, Myles Poholke will be a dominant figure and Sorrento will have stars all over the ground.
ROUND 1
Good Friday, April 2: Dromana v Red Hill, Bonbeach v Edi-Asp.
Easter Saturday, April 3: Sorrento v Rosebud.
Friday, April 9, at 7pm: Frankston YCW v Pines.
Saturday, April 10: Frankston Bombers v Mt Eliza.
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