MPNFL clubs to vote on accepting Cranbourne and Frankston Dolphins

Cranbourne and Frankston Dolphins have made presentations to MPNFL clubs as they look to join the league, and feedback has been positive.

Cranbourne’s Mitch Tharle takes a big grab at Livingston Reserve in 2021. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Cranbourne and Frankston Dolphins have presented their cases for admission to the MPNFL, with one club president describing them as “very impressive’’ and a leading coach urging clubs to “bring them in’’.

Cranbourne is looking to switch from AFL Outer East, while the Dolphins want to come across from the Southern league.

The prospective newcomers made presentations in front of 22 MPNFL club presidents on Tuesday.

Cranbourne’s presentation was made by its president Shane Baker, while Frankston Dolphins’ case was presented by Mal Lewis.

MPNFL clubs will vote on taking in the two clubs on Wednesday, September 29.

Cranbourne full forward Marc Holt kicks a goal.

Red Hill president Graham Sherry said both clubs were positively received.

“They were both very impressive presentations and they answered all the questions that were put to them by the presidents,” Sherry said.

“But it’s entirely up to the presidents as to what they want to do.”

Cranbourne made an application to join the MPNFL in 2018 but it was unsuccessful.

Baker said this time around the Eagles were “approaching with caution” but was adamant the MPNFL was “a better fit for us”.

“From geographical sense, from a historical sense, some of those clubs we played back years ago it’s a better fit for us,” he said.

The Southern league’s Frankston Dolphins are seeking a move to the MPNFL.

Mornington coach and league legend Simon Goosey said it was time the MPNFL expanded and hoped a third division would come in.

“Hopefully we start expanding the league and eventually get the three divisions,” he said.

“Cranbourne is not far (away), 25 minutes, it has good facilities, let’s get them on board. Bring in the Dolphins, bring in South Mornington…

“Let’s hope the (MPNFL) clubs are sensible and we get them all in. Let’s be the best league we can be.”

Frankston Dolphins want to start playing in the MPNFL in 2023.

The possibility of a bye next season could be a stumbling block as clubs vote.

But Sherry said clubs need to look beyond that.

“It’s always the stumbling block when you’ve got uneven numbers in any competition,” he said.

“But uneven numbers are only uneven until you get another team.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact since 2018 we have been pushing towards having a third division in the MPNFL.

“And the third division requires a number of additional teams, not just these two teams, but a number of additional teams.

“So an uneven competition in one year may be inevitable but in the longer term it would be a good cause.”