MPNFL 2021: Pines to field young and fit side against Frankston YCW

Pines is set to field one of its youngest sides in years when it meets Frankston YCW under lights in the MPNFL on Friday night.

Pines livewire Khyal Jacobson tackles a Mornington opponent in a practice game last month. Picture: Alan Dillon

Change brings opportunity.

And on Friday night, a youthful Pines outfit will get the chance to shine under lights in the first night game of the MPNFL season.

The Pythons, with an average age of 21, will face traditional rivals Frankston YCW at Frankston Park.

“We’ll be young,” Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

“But I’m still really optimistic. We’ve had a really good pre-season and we will just go with the guys who are prepared, and I think that’s a lesson from the weekend, when you look at some of the other teams, they went with names rather than preparation.

“We’ve got a few blokes who will make a name for themselves over the next few weeks, which will be good.”

Pines coach Paddy Swayn. Picture: Chris Eastman

A big crowd and a finals-like atmosphere is expected on Friday night and Swayn said his young side, win lose or draw, would benefit from the experience.

“We will expose them and, I mean, playing at Frankston under lights against Frankston YCW in round one is probably worth 10 games to some of those young kids,” he said.

The Pines side will include exciting small forward Khyal Jacobson, who is on the Frankston Dolphins’ supplementary list.

The Pythons will also have star players Nick Boswell and Guy Hendry.

“No one talks about Nick Boswell, he’s probably one of the best players in the comp when he’s on song,” Swayn said.

Guy Hendry takes a strong grab for Pines.

“He’s hard to stop.

“And Guy Hendry, I believe, is in the top five or six players the comp, with his versatility.

“Then you’ve got Lachie Marshall, Jacob Boyle’s had a really good pre-season, Johnny Hughes, Ben Thomas, Jack Fisher, Brandon Lewis, they’re all premiership players, they’ll go well.

“We’ll be fine.”

Frankston YCW will be strong, with plenty of VFL experienced players like Lachie Street, BJ Credlin, Kev Lylak and Byron Barry.

Swayn is looking forward to coaching against new Stonecats coach Paul Goonan.

“We played against each other and it will be good,” he said.

“I love seeing blokes I played against, or with, coach. I wish him all the best, just not Friday night!”