Local footy: MPNFL Division 2 preview, analysis for 2021 season

We analyse each club, detail the key ins and outs and give our predictions for 2021.

Langwarrin forward Jesse Murrphy fends off Red Hill’s James Fletcher. Picture: Chris Eastman

The MPNFL Division 2 season is shaping up to be a beauty.

Devon Meadows and Pearcedale kicked off the season last Saturday, with Neil Craig’s Devon pocketing the points in a very competitive contest.

The rest of the competition gets going this week, with three games on Good Friday and two on Easter Saturday.

Mornington will play its first-ever game in Division 2 when it hosts Karingal on Friday.

Langwarrin, with former AFL Bomber Mark Baguley fit and raring to go, will host Seaford, which has picked up former Collingwood gun Tim Broomhead.

Here’s how all 12 clubs are shaping up after a long off-season.

Scott MacLeod has returned to Chelsea.

CHELSEA

Coach: James Brain

Captain: Todd Gardiner

2019 finish: Fifth

Ins: Scott MacLeod (Frankston YCW), Rory Gregg (Dromana), Jonathan Tobin (Seaford)

Outs: Josh Hargreaves (Korumburra-Bena), Rhys Hensel (South Mandurah), Sam Nickless (Lakes Entrance), Andrew Silva (Moulamein)

Prediction: 3-7

The Seagulls recruited well before the 2020 season that never was, gaining Rohan Heasley and Harry Whitty. But the pair have moved on without playing a game. Scooter MacLeod is a terrific addition after playing in four premierships with YCW. Chelsea’s fortunes will rest largely on how quickly its youngsters can adapt to senior footy.

Tyler Wilton on the move for Crib Point. Picture: Chris Eastman

CRIB POINT

Coach: Steve Hamill

Captains: Zak De Kleuver and Brad Arnold

2019 finish: 11th

Ins: Waide Symes (Tooradin-Dalmore), Jake Cronin (Tooradin-Dalmore), Brad Arnold (Nyora), James Cook (Foster), Jyden Brooks (Red Hill), Nathan Allen (Langwarrin)

Outs: Myles Jamieson, Matt Collett, Ash Van Hattum

Prediction: 8-12

The Magpies will continue to rebuild under Steve Hamill. With record numbers at training, Cribby has plenty of talent and enthusiasm and, while finals appear beyond them, they cannot be taken lightly.

Tim Saunders (right) playing for Devon Meadows. Picture: Doug Farr

DEVON MEADOWS

Coach: Neil Craig

Captain: Tim Saunders

2019 finish: Ninth

Ins: Lachie Batten (Doveton), Aaron Johns (Belgrave), Isaac Barassi (Doncaster), Brodie McConnell (Beaconsfield), Rowan Nayna (Greenvale)

Outs: Patty Harmes (Poowong), Michael Theodoridis (Drouin)

Prediction: 5-8

The Panthers have added several quality recruits and have started the season with a win. The appearance of former Richmond champ Brett Deledio in rounds four and six will create high excitement.

Nathan Gray of Hastings celebrates a goal.

HASTINGS

Coach: Clint Einsiedel (new)

Captain: Luke Hewitt

2019 finish: Seventh

Ins: Tom Backman (Bentleigh), Nathan Gray (East Malvern), Heath Nash (Moyhu), Dylan Wilson (Wangaratta Magpies),

Outs: Brendan Fevola (Deer Park), Todd Elton (Deer Park), Ricky Ferraro (Hepburn), Dylan Paarlberg (Tooradin-Dalmore), Chris Moloney (Chelsea Heights).

Prediction: Top five

The Blues are shaping up well under new coach Clint Einsiedel, the club’s first non-playing coach in almost two decades. They’ll be quick and skilful, and a definite finals contender.

Karingal speedster Bryce Kellerman. Picture: Chris Eastman

KARINGAL

Coach: Luke Forsyth

Captain: Dale Alanis

2019 finish: Second

Ins: Jack Harmes (Beaconsfield), Tom Curren (Claremont), Sam Glenn (Old Peninsula), Jordan Pomeroy (Old Peninsula), Ash Collins, Matt Blair (University Blues)

b Marc Holt (Cranbourne), Luke Van Raay (retired), Andy Mathers (Red Hill), Ryan Davey (Cranbourne), Cal Dixon (Mordialloc), Dylan Gregson (Mordialloc), Nathan Villella (Cora Lynn), Jake Kelly (Tyabb)

Prediction: Top five

The Bulls made the 2019 grand final but will field a vastly different side, fuelled by youth and pace. Luke Forsyth takes the coaching reins and will look to guide a potentially exciting side to the finals. Former Old Peninsula trio Sam Glenn Jordan Pomeroy and Ash Collins are excellent additions, as is ex-AFL Saint Tom Curren.

Mark Baguley (left) is back at Langy.

LANGWARRIN

Co coaches: Josh Beard and Blake McCormack

Captains: Blake Harkness and Nick Hammill

2019 finish: Third

Ins: Mark Baguley (Essendon), Ryan Smythe (Droman), Nic Tuddenham (Balmain Tigers), Cooper Demerlo (Mt Eliza), Kye Whitford (Dromana)

Outs: Billy Rolfe (Lauderdale), Corey Moore (Emerald)

Prediction: Top 3

All eyes will be on former Essendon player Mark Baguley as he returns to his junior club. Reports are that he’s “flying” going into Round 1. Baguley will bolster the Kangaroos, who played off in the ‘18 and ‘19 preliminary finals and look like being a serious contender again.

Jackson Calder will be crucial for Mornington in 2021.

MORNINGTON

Coach: Simon Goosey

Captain: Chris Baker

2019 finish: 10th (Division 1)

Ins: Bryce Dinger (Noble Park), Mathew North (Balwyn), Cooper Elliot (Wangaratta), Nash Kirk (WA), James Cameron (returning from Qld), Trent Attard (Mt Eliza ), Josh Harrington (Mt Eliza)

Outs: Michael Macgowan (Rye)

Prediction: 3-6

The Bulldogs have had 18 months to stew over being relegated from the top division. They’ll have no shortage of motivation. Always tough to beat at The Kennel, the Doggies will look to star forward Jackson Calder to lead from the front.

Pearcedale's Mitch Johnson takes a big mark over teammate Riley Bradshaw. Picture: Doug Farr

PEARCEDALE

Coach: Justin Hamilton

Captain: Dave Hussey

2019 finish: 12th

Ins: Jayden Cole (Langwarrin), Chris Brooking (Mordialloc), Bayde Mate (Langwarrin)

Outs: Max Gearon (Cranbourne), Mitch Lindsay (Cranbourne), Reece Twyford (Chelsea Heights)

Prediction: 8-12

The Dales, stacked with youth, will run all day and can surprise unsuspecting opposition sides this season.

Oscar Whitty is back at Rye. Picture: Chris Eastman

RYE

Coach: Adam Kirkwood

Captain: Tyrren Head

2019 finish: Eighth

Ins: Oscar Whitty (Merbein), Jake Russell (Barooga), Corey Wood (Red Hill), Boston Closter (Ballan), Michael Macgowan (Mornington)

Outs: Nil

Prediction: 6-10

It’s been a while since the Demons have played finals, but Adam Kirkwood’s side has secured a handy list of recruits headlined by Oscar Whitty and 29yo ruckman Michael Macgowan from Mornington.

Collingwood's Tim Broomhead clears against Hawthorn.

SEAFORD

Coach: Zac Vansittart

Captain: Rourke Fischer

2019 finish: Sixth

Ins: Tim Broomhead (Collingwood), Macklin Raine (Drysdale), Justin Laughlin (Upper Ferntree Gully)

Outs: Jackson Mockett (Warragul Industrials)

Prediction: Top four

Youth, enthusiasm and speed will be key elements of the Tigers, who will look to out-run rivals. They’ll also have one of the best players in the comp, former AFL Magpie Tim Broomhead, while quality ruckman Macklin Raine is a key recruit.

Somerville’s Nick Mason.

SOMERVILLE

Coach: Brad Canavan

Captain: Rowan Hogenbirk

2019 finish: Fourth

Ins: Lachlan Williams (Frankston Dolphins), Brett Sutton (Frankston Bombers), Trav Bravo (Pearcedale)

Outs: Jake Mullen (Doveton)

Prediction: Top four

The Eagles are bursting to win a flag after a three-decade dry spell. They made good strides forward in 2019, winning a final. And with minimal outs and several quality players coming in, anything other than a finals appearance would be viewed as a disappointing outcome.

Tyabb coach Aaron Pacey.

TYABB

Coach: Aaron Pacey

Captain: Ethan Rahilly

2019 finish: 10th

Ins: Josh Riddle (Greensborough), Jayden Gerrand (North Beach, WA), Cameron Taylor (Heidelberg West), Ben Fitzgerald (returning from overseas), Blake Simpson, Jake Kelly, Zane Merdanovic, Levi Dixon and Matt Burnett (all Karingal)

Outs: Jake Anderson (Poowong), Brayden Pitcher (Launceston)

Prediction: 5-8

After making steady progress in recent seasons, hopes are high the Yabbies could be set to end a two decade finals drought. An influx of recruits will help, including Jayden Gerrand from Western Australia – a nephew of Brisbane Lions premiership star Des Hedland.