MPNFL 2021: Mornington spoils Brett Deledio’s Devon Meadows party

Former AFL star Brett Deledio had to deal with rowdy spectators before inspiring Devon Meadows in an MPNFL Anzac Day thriller.

Brett Deledio was at the heart of Devon Meadows’ comeback on Sunday. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Brett Deledio clearly enjoyed his return to country football on Sunday.

Lining up for Devon Meadows against Mornington in the Mornington Peninsula league, the former Richmond and GWS star looked at home at Glover Reserve, surrounded by paddocks and gum trees.

The spotlight was always going to be on him — and his first test came early.

A cheeky group of Mornington reserves and under 19 players razzed Deledio at every opportunity.

“Lids” lapped it up and gave it back to the boys sitting on the back of a ute. It was all in good humour.

After blowing off some rust in the first half, Deledio — wearing the No.3 jumper — clicked into gear with a sizzling third quarter, slotting two goals and laying several crunching tackles, to inspire Devon Meadows back into the game.

Brett Deledio is congratulated by Devon Meadows teammates after kicking a goal.

The Panthers’ faithful in front of the Flanigan pavilion roared with delight as their side, after trailing by 21 points at half-time, cut Mornington’s lead to one-point.

Deledio’s efforts earned a compliment from coach Neil Craig at three-quarter time huddle. “Thanks for the lift, Lids,” Craig said.

In a tense final quarter, Devon Meadows hit the front for the first time in the game with a goal by Lachie Batten.

But Deledio’s hopes of a comeback win were thwarted when Mornington big man Matt North was awarded a free kick with two minutes to go and slotted the match-winning goal from about 35 metres out on a tight angle.

Brett Deledio and Mornington’s Lachlan Susovich.

Devon Meadows scored more goals than Mornington but lost, 8.11 (59) to 9.4 (58).

Young Mornington player Lachlan Gorka was named best afield, capping a slick display with two goals.

Bulldogs spearhead Jackson Calder kicked the first three goals of the game and was a constant focal point.

Batten, Joel Hillas, Aaron Johns and Patrick Boland were among Devon’s best

Deledio played mostly forward but also spent time on the ball. He had a good battle with young Mornington defender Lachlan Susovich, the pair playing hard but maintaining a friendly rivalry throughout.

In fact, Deledio got along well with teammates and opponents alike; he was often spotted encouraging them with a pat on the back.

The former two-time All Australian will play another game for Devon Meadows against Hastings in May 8.