MPNFL 2021: Frankston YCW defender injures shoulder

Frankston YCW will be without one of its best defenders after an injury blow in a pre-season match on Saturday.

Frankston YCW’s Christian Ongarello (1) and Byron Barry (left) go up against Sorrento's Chris Dawes in a game in 2018. Picture: Jay Town

Frankston YCW’s backline will be missing a key plank when it starts the MPNFL Division 1 season next month.

Experienced stopper Christian Ongarello hurt his shoulder in a practice game against Berwick on Saturday, coming off before halftime.

He saw a physio on Monday and it appears he has a torn rotator cuff — enough damage to be out of football for a chunk of the season.

“We’re not sure when we’ll see him back,” YCW coach Paul Goonan said.

Ongarello is one of Frankston YCW’s most decorated players.

A former Frankston Dolphin, he’s played in Stonecats premierships, made state sides and MPNFL teams of the year.

Christian Ongarello (right) competes for the ball. Picture: Jay Town

Meanwhile, Frankston YCW’s star recruit Matt Troutbeck was rested on Saturday with a hamstring strain but will be fine for the Stonecats’ season opener against Pines under lights at Frankston Park at 7pm on Friday, April 9.

Former Frankston Dolphins captain Blake Mullane is another notable recruit for the Stonecats.

Mullane’s 80 VFL games also included a stint with Coburg.

The Stonecats’ ruck division is suddenly flush with options after sky scraping pair Josh Dow and Jordan Verdouw literally walked in off the street.

Both are over 200cm tall and athletic.

Goonan says his players are champing at the bit to start the season.

“Guys just want to play footy now, they’ve done two pre-seasons in a row now,” he said.

“Some of our guys haven’t missed a session. I think I’ve done 26 sessions this pre-season going back to November

“That’s fifty odd training sessions without a game of footy. I feel for the players. I acknowledge their resilience in all of this, how well they’ve done, they’re putting the boots on and doing the work on the training track.

“Especially the young guys who have so much to offer, they’ve grown so much in that 12 months, footy maturity wise.

“There are going to be some young guns that come on to the scene that no one really counted for.

“We’ve got four or five of those who are going to take the next step. That extra year of maturity ...they are set to blossom this year so I look forward to that.”