MPFNL 2024: The 40 surprise packets from Divisions 1 and 2

We’ve identified the underrated players who’ve hit the ground running in the Mornington Peninsula league this season. These are the 40 surprise packets of 2024…

Massive pre-seasons, natural improvement, motivation...

Whatever the reason, a raft of underrated players have emerged to be key figures in the opening five weeks of the Mornington Peninsula league season (Divisions 1 and 2).

These are the “surprise packets”:

Teddy Banks, Karingal

Debuted in round one and has played all five games, impressing as a dashing half back who breaks the lines and turns defence into attack.

Jack Beverley, Sorrento

Had 17 tackles in one game this season and made a match-saving spoil against Mt Eliza last weekend after running the length of the ground.

Jack Beverley (middle).

Tynan Bressan, Red Hill

The young defender was named Red Hill’s best player against Frankston YCW in round five, continuing his strong start to 2024.

Nick Collier, Dromana

Taken his game to another level. The teenage premiership player has been a stand-out at half back and in the midfield in the opening four rounds, earning a VFL debut with Richmond last week.

Nick Braund, Pines

Smart wing player who is leading the competition in marks.

Nick Braund (right) in action for Pines.

Zac Burrowes, Edi-Asp

The small lockdown defender has been given some big jobs so far this season and excelled. Really competitive.

Lachie Cox, Tyabb

Strong and determined, the full-back has rarely been beaten one-on-one.

Nathan Drew, Devon Meadows

At 20, the backman is courageous with great hands and highly skilled.

Kade Foster, Hastings

After kicking 41 goals in the Blues’ under 19s last year, he’s on the way to establishing himself at senior level as a forward/mid. Will be a fine player for a long time.

Isaac Freene, Rosebud

The 18-year-old midfielder played the first four games of the season in the seniors, kicking a couple of goals and showing he has all the tools to play VFL football, according to his coach Danny Ades.

Jarrod Gatt, Pines

A great ball user and decision maker. Been moved to half back and is averaging 30 touches per game.

Jarrod Gatt takes a kick for Pines.

Josh Geurts, Dromana

The teenage ball magnet has been dominant at times, progressing this season to be one of the Tigers’ key midfielders. In the top 10 possession winners in Division 1.

Rueben Hanson, Karingal

The 193cm competitive athlete can play tall or small, is brilliant in the air and below his knees. Has played on-ball/ruck this season but can also float forward and kick a goal.

Jess Hawkins, Rye

A seven-year absense from the game didn’t show when he fired off seven goals in Rye’s win over Hastings in Round 3. Also slotted three against Crib Point. Hard working, clean hands and brings his best effort each week.

Rhys Hogan, Bonbeach

Hogan was appointed vice captain and has become a leader on and off the ground, while playing his most consistent footy and getting reward for his work.

Rhys Hogan handballs for Bonbeach. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Jake Hodgson, Frankston Bombers
The Bombers under 19s captain has caught the eye playing back pocket in his first senior year.

Ethan King, Sorrento

Takes the opposition’s small forward every week and always gets the job done.

Huw Jones, Pearcedale

The wholehearted ruckman has grown as a player this season and been pivotal in the Dales’ 4-1 start.

Huw Jones kicks Pearcedale forward. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Daniel Marshall, Somerville

The tough in-and-under mid/forward has been in the Eagles’ best players in most weeks this season, including a star turn against Tyabb when he slotted five goals.

Riley McDonald, Devon Meadows

The 19-year-old winger is hard at the footy with great footy smarts, very skilled and runs all day.

Sam McIlwain, Bonbeach

A developing key defender who, at 22, is becoming vital and has learnt from playing on some of the big Division 1 forwards last season.

Archie McGuiness, Pearcedale

One of the Dales’ most consistent players as a hard-working mid/forward. Has kicked multiple goals on three occasions this season.

Lane Meyer, Frankston YCW

A line-breaking player who sizzled with a best-on-ground display against Red Hill. Has taken the next step this season.

Lane Meyer in action for the Stonecats. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

Darcy Murr, Frankston YCW

The youngster has improved even further to become a legitimate midfield/forward. Four best player mentions in five games.

Fin O’Neill, Mt Eliza

A bit of an excitement machine in the forward half with his electric change of direction and ability to find the goals. Has a genuine knack for freakish stuff.

Tom Payne, Mornington

Joined the Doggies late in the pre-season from Somerville after training with Noble Park...and has quickly become a staple in Mornington’s back half — playing like he’s been at Mornington for 10 years.

Charlie Robinson-Cay, Red Hill

The talented teenager has impressed playing on the wing, making it into the best players column on three occasions already.

Luke Settineri, Pearcedale

Settineri plays footy with a minimum of fuss. He barges through packs and averages over 20 one percenters per week.

Kaolan Thornton, Pearcedale

Has always been a fine young player but has taken his game to new heights this season. Been dominant.

Kaolan Thornton takes a kick for Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Reid Stock, Mornington

Had a massive pre-season and it’s showing. Has impressed as a go-to lockdown defender. Spoils everything and has great closing speed.

Archie Stringer, Mt Eliza

Eligible for under 19s but plays with a mature head and has natural leadership skills. An intercept defender who reads the ball well in the air and will be a star at the level for a long time.

Hugh Park, Seaford

A terrific intercept mark who plays key defence...a nice kick and good to watch.

Hugh Park gets a handball away for Seaford. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Travis Stewart, Crib Point

The Nyora ruck/forward has made an immediate impact in the MPFNL, giving the Magpies another option in the ruck.

Simon Rahilly, Tyabb

The Yabbies vice captain is a crucial player at half back and on a wing.

Nick Stamatis, Chelsea

The former Sandringham Dragon has been regularly in the Gulls’ best, racking up 30 touches the past two weeks. Makes good decisions using either side of his body.

Nick Stamatis.

Jack Turner, Edi-Asp

Started as a high forward but now a crucial part of the Eagles’ midfield. A neat left footer and hard at it.

Liam Tyrrell, Crib Point

The former defender has been a revelation at centre half-forward for the 4-1 Magpies, booting 10 goals and providing a strong presence.

Michael Walker, Sorrento

Has started the season in superb fashion, attacking the footy and kicking long; has been in the best four times already.

Josh Young with the ball for Somerville.

Josh Young, Somerville

One of those players you can rely upon. Young is an undersized defender who plays tall and gets the job done each week.

Sunny Peckett, Bonbeach

Has taken some big strides this season as a midfielder and has stepped up in consistency and impact.

Max Poulios, Langwarrin

Still under 19 eligible but playing full-time midfield for the Roos and performing well, with mentions in the best players against Mt Eliza and Sorrento.