MPNFL 2021: Devon Meadows beats Pearcedale in opening round

Local football returned with a bang as Pearcedale and Devon Meadows unleashed a 14-goal opening quarter and then fought out a nail-biting finish in the MPNFL.

Devon Meadows players moments before the opening bounce against Pearcedale. Picture: Devon Meadows FNC

There was sunshine, rain and a crowd of nearly 1000.

And, boy, wasn’t it great to have local footy back after 560 days.

Pearcedale and Devon Meadows — both emerging sides stacked with talented youngsters — put on a highly entertaining contest to kick off the MPNFL Division 2 season.

Fans were kept guessing right to the end as Devon Meadows, wearing a newly designed jumper, withstood a late challenge to win by 14 points, 14.12 (96) to 12.10 (82), and hold aloft the Larnach Cup.

Both sides began with a flurry, drilling seven goals apiece in a dazzling opening quarter.

Devon Meadows forward Nathan Phillips kicked the first goal of the season after pouncing on a crumb in the goal square.

Devon recruit Isaac Barassi (a distant relative of AFL legend Ronald) followed up with a clever snap for an early goal.

Jack Maguiness was excellent for Pearcedale. Pic: Doug Farr

Pearcedale then got on a roll as Corey Hangar and first-gamer Luke Settineri slotted successive goals.

Devon Meadows led by a point at quarter time, by 11 at half-time and by 12 points at the last change, but Pearcedale refused to give up.

The Dales cut the margin to eight points with minutes to go after Cade Tauber slotted two set shot goals, but Devon held on.

Joel Hillas was outstanding for Devon Meadows, showing his class and fitness in a best-on-ground display.

Devon Meadows played in newly designed jumpers and started with a win. Picture: Devon Meadows FNC

Pearcedale ruckman Huw Jones was concussed in the second quarter and played no further part in the game. Jack McGuinness and Beau Scoble both took on ruck duties and did well.

Pearcedale coach Justin Hamilton said basic errors cost his side victory.

“We had our opportunities,” he said.

“A couple of goals in red time was probably the difference at the end of the day.

“The decision making was okay but it was just the execution.

“We had as much of the footy as what they did, we could win it back but then we’d give it back.”

Hamilton praised both sides for playing in great spirit and said the return of local football was a big winner.

The rest of the competition gets underway next weekend, with five games on Good Friday.

In Division 2, Mornington host Karingal, Tyabb play Rye and Langwarrin meet Seaford.

The Good Friday games in Division 1 are: Dromana v Red Hill, Bonbeach v Edi-Asp.