MPNFL 2021: Frankston Bombers on four-game winning streak

The death of a popular teammate has had a big effect on Beau Muston’s Bombers, who have emerged as a flag contender in MPNFL Division 1.

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston says his side is determined to enjoy itself. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston says his side is driven to succeed this season.

The Bombers are arguably the in-form side of MPNFL Division 1, winning their past four games.

They toppled highly-rated Bonbeach and Sorrento before the season was paused due to the pandemic last week.

Muston credits his side’s form to a positive mindset, born out of the tragic passing of popular Frankston Bombers player Ben Tournier, who was killed in a car accident in the early hours of Australia Day.

He said larger-than-life “T” had an “ability to create mateship and form really good friendship bonds”.

“That has been one of our biggest driving factors that we’ve tried to bring into our season, to just really enjoy our footy, enjoy each other’s company because it’s later than you think, anything can happen at any moment,” Muston said.

“Unfortunately for T, we lost him so soon.

“We’re determined to just enjoy the year...and be a selfless team because that’s what Ben was, he was an in-and-out senior player but always just wanted the team to win, he was really selfless.

“We’ve got a group that is really driven to succeed and that’s definitely just helped to galvanise what we’re about.”

Ruckman Harrison Prior belts the Bombers forward, with Matt Harris in the background.

Former VFL Dolphins star Alex Harnett has been a stand-out for the Bombers this season, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier onballers in the competition.

Port Melbourne recruit Khan Haretuku has hit his straps in recent weeks and skipper Sam Fox, back from the VFL, has been consistent.

Ryan Marks-Logan has been a regular in the Bombers’ best players column, as has ruckman Harrison Prior, while Corey Buchan leads the side’s goal kicking with 15 majors.

Jarrad Grant.

Unheralded tagger Sam Pickess has also been a key figure in the Bombers’ success this season, keeping some of the best players in the comp quiet.

Former Western Bulldog and Gold Coast Suns forward Jarrad Grant was playing good footy for the Bombers before copping a two-week suspension — the first time he’d been rubbed out in his career.

“There’s been a complete transformation in Jarrad that I’ve seen in probably his buy-in to local level,” Muston said of Grant.

“When you’ve spent 10 years in the (AFL) system, coming back you’ve got all these new variables in your life (and) he probably thought he could just get by, play good Division 1 footy and it’s challenging, it’s a great competition.

“I’ve definitely seen over the last two pre seasons a huge jump, a change in Jarrad’s application. He’s wanting to win, his buy-in to the group is terrific and I think it’s showing in his footy.

“He’s started the season really well.”

MPNFL Division 1 ladder after seven rounds: Frankston YCW 26, Mt Eliza 22, Bonbeach 20, Frankston Bombers 20, Sorrento 12, Rosebud 12, Red Hill 12, Dromana 8, Edithvale-Aspendale 4, Pines 4.