MPNFL 2021: Two debutants star in Hastings win over Karingal

Blues fans got a glimpse into the future as a batch of exciting teenagers sparkled in a high-scoring win in MPNFL Division 2.

Hastings youngster Tom Finn capped a best-on-ground display with three goals. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Talk about grabbing your chance…

Young Tom Buckley, who is still eligible for Under 17s, was handed a senior debut for Hastings on Saturday.

He made the most of it, slotting four goals to help the Blues to a 16-point win over Karingal in a high-scoring encounter, 17.13 (115) to 15.9 (99), at Ballam Park.

“He knows where the goals are,” Hastings coach Clint Einsiedel said.

“He had four chances and kicked four goals.

“That’s a bonus. We haven’t been kicking too well for goal this year either.”

Buckley was one of four teenagers in the Hastings side, with Tom Finn and Pat Wilson playing key roles on a wing and up forward and quality defender Blake Rhodes also doing well.

Finn capped a best-on-ground display with three goals.

There was another debutant: ruckman Sam Stephens played a beauty first-up.

Sean Hewitt tries to tackle Karingal’s Lachlan Hinde. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Einsiedel said Hastings’ depth of young talent made the future exciting.

“We’re hoping the work we’re putting in with the under 19s and even the 17s and 16s at the club will, in time, allow us to change the age profile of the list, have more depth we can call on and have more competition for spots in the future,” he said.

Hastings’ win marked Jake Hewitt’s 100th game in style. He was one of the Blues’ best, working hard all game.

Young Stephens combined well with Ben King in the ruck, and Aaron Vinson also did well.

Hastings (6-7) is in eighth spot with a game to go.

“We’ve probably struggled with depth across the season and when we’ve had guys out we sometimes haven’t been able to cover them well enough,’’ Einsiedel said.

“We probably dropped a few games by under 10 points and if we picked one or two of them up we’d probably be still in the mix for finals.

“But we haven’t been able to do that.’’

Karingal’s Scott Jansen goes to ground as Luke Hewitt takes a kick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ladder leaders Langwarrin made a statement during its thumping win over second-placed Mornington, 24.16 (160) to 11.9 (75).

With ex-Bomber Mark Baguley in mint form, the Kangaroos drilled nine unanswered goals in the second quarter.

The performance only enhances Langy’s flag prospects.

Big Matt Naughton, Ryan Smyth and Jesse Murphy (five goals) starred in the win.

Former Collingwood midfielder Tim Broomhead turned in another best-on-ground display as Seaford thrashed Devon Meadows 16.17 (113) to 7.3 (45). Chris Buttner kicked four goals and Ishak Bashir and Damien Rayson three apiece.

Hastings coach Clint Einsiedel.

Hastings’ young guns: Tom Finn, Tom Buckley, Pat Wilson and Blake Rhodes. Picture: Hastings FNC