MPNFL coaches call for revamped finals series after lockdown

MPNFL coaches have spoken strongly on a range of issues, including finals structure, relegation and player welfare.

David Armitage takes a kick for Bonbeach in the MPNFL. Picture: Aaron Cook

It’s been a local football season like no other.

Three Covid lockdowns have played havoc with momentum and left players, coaches, officials and fans frustrated.

The last round of the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League Division 1 season was scheduled to be played next week, with finals kicking off on August 21.

But now there’s talk of the week-long lockdown extending. What’s it all mean for local footy?

MPNFL Division 1 coaches have their say on the situation and what should happen:

Bonbeach coach Adrian Connolly.

Adrian Connolly (Bonbeach)

Very tough on all people and perspective needed! We play a game and families can lose loved ones — (I know), having a family member in the medical profession.

My main concern is player welfare and keeping connection and togetherness.

What happens in terms of footy is out of our control and important we control what we can and that is working with our footy communities to keep strong and see hope in the near and far future.

Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston.

Beau Muston (Frankston Bombers)

If we didn’t have so many cases today I was hoping that we would just go straight into finals to be honest. Miss round 18 and play finals. That allows us to train next Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday before finals commence. After today, I don’t know what will happen but I am concerned this lockdown could extend which would really start to put the season in jeopardy.

If we have a premier I’d say promotion and relegation should still happen. For example, Pines got absolutely nailed by Bonbeach which shows the big difference between the top and bottom. It’s there for that purpose but understand Pines will fight it, having won a flag not too long ago.

Paul Goonan (Frankston YCW)

I’m really not sure any more. Today’s Covid announcement has really left me worried about when we might be able to get back.

Paul Goonan.

Mt Eliza's Steve Brattle.

I think we need to keep promotion and relegation going in some format. It was part of this new competition set up, so I think it has to stay. All clubs knew that at the start of the season.

I’ve heard different versions that could be considered, like two up and nil down, or two up and one down.

Steve Brattle (Mt Eliza)

I’m keen to see the season restart and finish. Even it that is a top four, two-week finals. The season is done. We may be locked up for weeks so the rebound will dictate what we can get done. It’s not been great for footy but it’s down the list of priorities.

I’m solid — relegation stands. My opinion only.

Paddy Swayn (Pines)

I think you’ve got to have a final six — that’s if we can get out of lockdown for starters.

And I don’t think it’s fair to have a double chance.

One plays six, two plays five and three plays four. That’s what I would do.

You end up with three (teams). The team with the best percentage out of those three games goes straight into the grand final, then the other two play a prelim.

And then we get the grand final that way.

Hopefully they can think outside the box.

Jamie Mollo (Red Hill)

I think it’s a shame but while we would love to play it’s out of our control at the moment. Unfortunately I don’t think the home and away will get to be finished as, if lockdown ends at 8pm Thursday, there would be no time to prepare to play. I could be wrong and they might play but it would be tough and could be a risk of injury to the players of clubs going into finals.

Jamie Mollo.

With promotion/relegation it’s a hard one. While the season has been somewhat compromised due to missed games we did still play 12 games and if there is no promotion/relegation it’s not really fair to the Div 2 sides who have worked hard to put themselves in a position to possibly make a grand final and in turn be a chance to win it and earn the right to go up to Div 1.

Sorrento coach Leigh Poholke.

Leigh Poholke (Sorrento)

Hopefully they can get the finals series in. I’d hate to see a team perform all year like (Frankston) Bombers then not get a crack at it.

Likewise, there should be relegation. Two teams have won two games. They should go down for the competitiveness of the comp.