MPNFL 2021: Mark Baguley plays 100th game as Langwarrin makes impressive start to season

The former Essendon star played his 100th game for his MPNFL club — 17 years, and an AFL career, after making his senior debut.

Mark Baguley in the warm up before his 100th game for Langwarrin. Picture: Paul Churcher

Langwarrin has begun the season with convincing wins over Seaford and Somerville, two sides tipped to be title contenders.

The Kangaroos kicked nine goals before half-time to set up a 24-point win over Somey at Lloyd Park on Saturday.

Eagles coach Brad Canavan didn’t hesitate to describe Langy as the “standout’’ team in MPNFL Division 2.

“They’ve got a good spread across the board and some stars in the middle,” Canavan said.

“Everyone will be chasing Langy.”

But Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard says his side still has “a lot to work on’’.

“We walk away knowing we’re miles off where we need to be, but so is everyone,’’ he said.

“After so long out of football everyone’s a bit rusty. The next five or six weeks will sort itself out and everyone will know where they’re at.’’

Beard says a new wave of talented youngsters have shown the way for the Kangaroos in the first two rounds, with five debutants already making their mark.

Jaiden Jakubenko was the latest Langy newcomer to impress, capping a lively game in the backline with a goal.

“He came in and stuck his head over the footy and played his role,” Beard said of 19-year-old Jakubenko.

“It’s really positive, our best players are coming from our younger kids which is great.”

Tom Sullivan, one of Langwarrin's impressive teenagers to make an early impact. Picture: Paul Churcher

Langwarrin midfielder Zach Andrewartha continued his superb start to the season with a clear best-on-ground display.

Nick Tuddenham, Mitch Cuthbert, Joel Bateman and James Longley also impressed, while Josh Dormer, Matthew Peynenborg, Chad Mulvogue and Mitch Mathie kicked two goals apiece.

Mark Baguley leads Langwarrin on to the ground in his 100th game. Picture: Paul Churcher

Former Essendon star Mark Baguley played his 100th game for Langwarrin — 17 years, and an AFL career, after making his senior debut in 2004.

Somerville defender Josh Westerman did an excellent job on Baguley, who has played mainly forward in his first two games back in local footy.

But he will soon spend more time in the midfield.

“They put a fair bit of attention into him,’’ Beard said of Baguley.

“It was hard work for him but he still contributes so well.

“He frees up opportunities for our other forwards, which is great.

“He will play midfield mostly and there will be times he rolls down back as well. At this stage he’s played forward, getting back into this style of footy, but he will certainly go through the midfield and roll across half back at different times as well.”

Langwarrin key players Tim McGenniss, Jesse Murphy and Shane Paterson are waiting in the wings to come into the side.

Langwarrin faces another test this weekend against traditional rivals Karingal, which scored an impressive 37-point win at Chelsea on Saturday.

Somerville has early injury concerns, with star Paul Fermanis pulling out of Saturday’s game with a soft tissue injury although Canavan says he will be back against Rye this week.

Somerville captain Rowan Hogenbirk has had surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus suffered in a practice game last month, and faces 10-12 weeks on the sidelines.

Jack Barbour is also out with a knee injury although he hopes to be back in round four.