MPNFL 2021: Red Hill finishes strongly to beat Edi-Asp in Division 1

One of the MPNFL’s most damaging midfielders wound back the clock as the Hillmen returned to the winners’ list in Division 1.

Chris Irving’s clearance work for Red Hill was top notch. Picture: Chris Eastman

Red Hill found itself in unfamiliar territory last week.

Three straight losses had the Hillmen, one of the most winningest clubs on the peninsula in recent years, slipping down the ladder in MPNFL Division 1.

It was crunch time for Jamie Mollo’s side when it went to Edithvale-Aspendale on Saturday, and the heat was really on when only a point separated the sides at three quarter time.

Red Hill roared home with six goals in the last quarter to record a rousing 21-point victory, 15.15 (105) to 13.6 (84).

“It was just great,” Mollo said.

“We played so well against YC (the week before) for three quarters but didn’t quite get the job done.

“But we were heading back towards how we want to play. And we got a few more senior boys back and were able to really capitalise.”

Red Hill coach Jamie Mollo. Picture: David Crosling

Red Hill’s big talls, Torren Powell and Angus Paterson, were vital in the win, kicking four and three goals respectively.

Jake Mold was awesome in the middle and Karingal recruit Andy Mathers, back in for his first game since round one, was sensational.

And Mollo was glowing in his praise of champion playmaker Chris Irving.

“Chris Irving wound the clock back a bit,” he said.

Jonathon Ross booted two goals.

“We threw him through the inside rotation because he’d been playing a bit more forward to get his fitness up.

“But on the the small deck (at Edi -Asp) we said, ‘bugger it, he’s going in’.

“And his clearance work on a small ground just gave those tall forwards opportunities with quick movement, deep movement. Yeah, he had a ripper game.”

Powell and Paterson were a constant threat up forward with their presence in the air, while Jonathon Ross and Daniel McNamara chimed in with two goals apiece.

Red Hill has been hit hard by injuries early in the season but there is good news around the corner.

Star defender Jonah Siversen, after a fractured back, will prepare with contact training this week and hopes to return to the side against Rosebud this weekend.

Michael Mock, Dean Warry and Jake Di Pasquale are also set to return.

And ex-AFL Tiger Steve Morris could also boost the side.

“We’re in a good position,” Mollo said.

“While we’d like to be 4-3, we are 3-4 and thereabouts.”