MPNFL 2021: Zac Foot makes impressive return to home club Langwarrin

A former Sydney Swan was a surprise starter for Langwarrin, and he couldn’t have been more impressive on — and off — the ground.

Zac Foot runs out for Langwarrin on Saturday. Picture: Paul Churcher

It was a phone call Langwarrin co-coach Josh Beard was happy to take.

Former Sydney Swans young gun and Langy product Zac Foot called last Thursday to see if the Kangaroos could fit him in for a game.

Foot, who played two AFL games with the Swans last year and is now on Casey Demons’ VFL list, looked like having a free weekend because Casey’s VFL game in Sydney was set to be postponed due to the developing COVID-19 situation in Sydney.

Beard didn’t need think time, telling Foot, “you’re in”.

“He actually touched base with us and we said we’d love to have him,” Beard said.

“He’s got some good mates in the team. He grew up in Langwarrin and he’s a Langwarrin junior and couple of his best mates are running around in Josh Dormer and Matty Peynenborg, so yeah, it was a no-brainer for him to play.”

Zac Foot celebrates a goal for the Sydney Swans against Greater Western Sydney Giants in Perth last year. Picture: Paul Kane

Foot kicked two goals, dazzled everyone with his explosive pace and played the entire game as Langwarrin defeated Chelsea 12.15 (87) to 6.6 (42) at Lloyd Park.

“He kicked two but he’s an absolute A grade player,” Beard enthused.

“He’s got genuine leg speed, he’s clean and he brings his teammates into the game. He’s a terrific player.”

Foot played alongside former Essendon star Mark Baguley, who slotted a goal.

The pair, along with Luke Parker, Jarred Moore and Kieran Collins, are Langwarrin’s most recent AFL products.

Beard said Foot’s attitude was first-rate.

“He’s a quality person, too,” he said.

“He just slotted in beautifully. He arrived all smiles, good attitude and got around all the boys.

“He didn’t dictate or ask what he could or couldn’t do, he just said, ‘play me where you want to play me and I’ll have a good day’. And he did.

“We’ve got a pretty good following at the moment and it was fantastic for them to come down and watch someone of his quality.”

Langwarrin is the only side that is undefeated in MPNFL Division 2.

On Saturday, gun midfielders Blake Peach and Zach Andrewartha again sizzled.

But Beard poured praise on the Kangaroos’ back six of Mitch Cuthbert, Blake Harkness, Nick Hamill, Jaiden Jakubenko, Hayden Golby and Ryan Smyth.

“Our backline has been really solid this year,” Beard said.

“We were challenged by a pretty good side on the weekend and they stood up really well.”

Beard said Langy’s 6-0 start to the season is satisfying but the club is striving for more.

“We’re in our own little bubble at the moment,” he said.

“The pressure is coming from within, our reserves are undefeated and our under 19s have only lost the one game so the motivation comes from within because everyone wants to keep their spot and then you’ve got other who want a spot.”