MPNFL 2021: Clubs rely on depth as key players miss through injury
ACLs, hamstrings and even a broken back are some of the injuries that have sidelined the MPNFL’s biggest names.
Mornington
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Frankston YCW has done well to be undefeated in MPNFL Division 1 considering its injury toll.
The Stonecats, who have won five games in a row since drawing with Mt Eliza in round one, have been without some of their prime movers through injury.
Lachie Wallace and Ben Wagner are out with hamstring injuries, while Ryley Hodson suffered medial ligament damage in a knee.
Experienced defender Christian Ongarello has had surgery on the shoulder he injured in a practice game.
“He is still a long way off,” YCW coach Paul Goonan said of Ongarello.
Frankston YCW is also without Angus Wright, who looks like having surgery after re-injuring a leg he broke a few years ago.
And Josh Berenger and Jake Milward have shoulder injuries and are out for 3-4 weeks.
Former captain Jie Coghlan was a late call-up for the Stonecats against Red Hill last weekend and did his calf late in the game.
Goonan said the Stonecats’ depth has helped it bank early wins.
“We’re lucky the depth at the club is really strong,” Goonan said.
“We’re winning but there’s no relief there.
“We don’t feel like we’re sitting on top of the ladder. Like everyone, every week is a challenge. Review hard, preview hard, if that makes sense.”
Red Hill’s star defender Jonah Siversen is recovering from a fractured back sustained in a marking contest against Mt Eliza a few weeks ago.
However, he is mending well and could be back playing by mid-season.
Red Hill has a long list of injuries to important senior players, including Siversen, Sean Holmes, Andy Mathers, Michael Mock, Liam Harris, Dean Warry and Jake Di Pasquale.
“It’s part of footy,’’ a philosophical Hillmen coach Jamie Mollo said.
Pines has lost several players to season-ending injuries.
Brad Kiely suffered a torn ACL at training last month.
Jono Haidon is still recovering from a broken leg in a pre-season game.
And Liam McDonald is out for the rest of the season with a serious shoulder injury.
Other Pythons sidelined include Troy Jacobson (knee), Taj Westworth (hamstring), Liam Cox (shoulder), Jarrod Gatt (hammy) and 2018 grand final hero Aaron Ludewig, who faces another month out after re-doing his hamstring.
Rosebud has been hit hard by injuries to key men.
Skipper Greg Bentley, match-winner Sean Downie and defender Jari Kennedy are nursing hamstrings, while Seb Krumeich (medial) and Bart Wallace (broken hand) are also out.
Mt Eliza’s former AFL ruckman Lewis Pierce has missed the past two games with concussion issues after sustaining a head knock against Sorrento on May 1.
Promising young Redleg Daniel D’Alberto ruptured his ACL last week.
Bonbeach’s Will Dunne has a back injury that will keep him out long-term. Sharks ruckman Tom Hogan’s ankle injury wasn’t as bad as first thought and he should be back in the coming weeks.
The Hulett brothers, Liam and Owen, are also nearing a return to action for Bonny.
Sorrento spearhead Leigh Poholke badly broke his arm against Bonbeach earlier this month and is only a slight chance to return towards the end of the season.
In Division 2, Chelsea forward Sam Wettenhall suffered a torn ACL in the Seagulls’ loss to Mornington on Saturday.
Scott MacLeod is still out with a calf injury. But Brad Clark is back this week after recovering from a hamstring strain.
Crib Point co-captain Zak Dekleuver suffered an ACL injury early in the season.
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