MPFNL: Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard explains how the Roos beat Dromana

A VFL star impressed and a young gun was unearthed as Langwarrin pulled off the upset of the MPFNL season. Roos’ co-coach Josh Beard talks about his side’s huge win.

Langwarrin FC

A dose youth combined with the guidance of a VFL star is to account for how Langwarrin completed the upset of the Mornington Peninsula league season.

The ninth-placed Roos did as no side has done in 2023, defeating the previously unbeaten – and seemingly untouchable – Dromana.

In arrears by less than a kick at the final change, the young Roos were instructed to take the game on at all costs and it paid dividends in the eventual 7.12 (54) to 7.7 (49) triumph.

“Dromana came in missing a few, we were missing a few too, we had a young side with seven under-19s in and probably hit them with run and pressure,” co-coach Josh Beard said.

“I thought out pressure and willingness to win the footy back was outstanding.

“We have been in a lot of games, it’s been the story of our season, we more or less get blown away past half time.

“It was nice to hang in there in the last quarter and I think the boys thought ‘hang on, we’re right in this’.”

The Roos completed the unthinkable. Pictures: PAUL STAN CHURCHER IMAGES

The Roos had VFL-Blue Ben Crocker for the third time this season and, according to Beard, his presence was pivotal.

“Having Ben Crocker in the team with Carlton having the bye in the VFL straightened us up a bit and really gave us a target to kick to,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic leader, the way he talks to the boys, he gives clearly concise and clear instructions.

“The way he attacks the footy in the contest, you have a lot of confidence kicking to him because he just doesn’t let you down in a 50-50 situation.”

Ben Crocker was immense for Langwarrin. Pictures: PAUL STAN CHURCHER IMAGES

Alongside Crocker as one of the more important players on the ground was teenager Blake Pullen, who was given the herculean role of stopping ex-Tiger Jake Aarts.

Aarts has been running amok in the MPFNL this season and, while he still found a bit of the footy, Beard believes Pullen’s negating role played a crucial part in the win.

“The young side we had, we had fresh legs, the boys were running on top of the ground still,” he said.

“Blake Pullen, he did a job on Jake Aarts who was just cutting us to shreds early in the game, whilst he still had a fair bit of the footy. I think for an 18-year-old kid to nullify his influence was an outstanding effort and it played a big part in the result.”

Josh Beard sung the praises of teenager Blake Pullen and his role on Jake Aarts. Pictures: PAUL STAN CHURCHER IMAGES

Despite the win pushing Langwarrin six points in advance of Bonbeach in the dreaded relegation position, Beard says his group won’t be making any 2024 Division One plans just yet.

“It is a relief, (but) Bonbeach play Sorrento at Bonbeach and then Pines in the last game, where nine weeks ago they nearly rolled them – by no means do we think we’re done and safe in Div One,” he said.

“Once the opportunity to play finals goes out the door, you reset your sights and our sights have been firmly set on staying in Div One.

“It (the win) gives us a bit of a leg up, if we win another game, we stay in Div One, that’s how we see it.”

Zach Andrewartha, Nicholas Hammill, Blake Harkness, Jaiden Jakubenko and Riley Staggard were others who had a big day for Langwarrin.

Sam Fowler, Luke Oborn, Taylor Davidson, Sam Fletcher and Reece Wilde were Dromana’s best.

Sorrento’s season remains alive after a Bailey Holt winner. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sorrento, meanwhile, kept its season alive with a terrific come-from-behind win over Mt Eliza.

Down by two goals at the final interval, the Sharks booted four goals to the Redlegs’ two to secure a one-point victory, 12.10 (82) to 12.9 (81).

A monstrous last-minute goal from Bailey Holt, well outside the arc of 50, stole victory for the home side.

Holt was later named best afield, alongside Ethan King, Shannon Gladman, Jack Beverley, Myles Poholke and James Hallahan.

Nathan Scagliarini, Mitch Smith, Ziggy Toledo, Tom Small, Braden Nelmes and Finn Emile-Brennan were Mt Eliza’s best.

Frankston YCW escaped an upset loss to Bonbeach, 11.10 (76) to 11.4 (70).

The Sharks came in a hurry in the third term and appeared to be a chance to steal victory before Joshua Patullo’s fifth major put the Stonecats ahead.

With Patullo in the Stonecats’ best was Jack Greenwood, Mackenna Hura, Darcy Murr, Lachlan Wallace and Lane Meyer.

Angus Grant, Ben McLean, Jet Peckett, Calvin Lee, Reubenn Smith and Sunny Peckett were Bonbeach’s most impressive.

Frankston Bombers remain a win clear of Sorrento in fifth after its strong win over Rosebud, 14.13 (97) to 5.5 (35).

The Bombers shook off a slow first quarter to kick 13 goals to three from then on.

Alex Harnett, Khan Haretuku, Bayleigh Welsh, Seth Harris, Mitchel Charles and Ryan Murdock were all influential for the Bombers while Fletcher Hustwaite, Liam Tidd, Bryce Gibson, Jackson McRae, Aiden Glassborow and Rory Rowe gave the Buds hope.

Pines is now just one win away from cementing a double-chance finish after its comfortable win over Red Hill.

The Pythons led at every change in their cruisy win over the Hillmen, 13.15 (93) to 9.4 (58).

Ex-AFL pair Shane Savage (five goals) and Aaron Edwards (four) combined for nine of the Pythons’ 13 majors.

Neither were named in the best however, as Benjamin Thomas, Darcy Wilson, Lachlan Marshall, Aaron Philp, Nicholas Braund and Zane Snowden all impressed coach Paddy Swayn.

Charlie Robinson-Cay, Noah Turner, Tom Slattery, Kalen Bird, Jake Mold and Kade Morgan all played well for the Hillmen.