Pines in a form slump while Seaford kick starts its season with stirring win over Mt Eliza

PINES coach Paddy Swayn concedes his side is in a mini form slump after it lost to Edi-Asp by 43 points in Peninsula league on Saturday.

Seaford players sing the song after their win over Mt Eliza on Saturday. Picture: Chris Eastman

PINES coach Paddy Swayn concedes his side is in a mini form slump after it lost to Edi-Asp by 43 points in Peninsula league on Saturday.

The Pythons have lost three in a row and are under pressure to hold on to third spot with finals approaching.

Swayn described his side’s last quarter fade-out — Edi-Asp outscored Pines 7.7 to 0.1 in the last term — as “soft’’.

“In the last quarter we just turned our toes up, it was very disappointing, we lost our way and allowed them way too many soft goals. We’ve got a bit of soul searching to do now,’’ Swayn said.

Edi-Asp has won four in a row to climb to fourth spot, emerging as a flag smoky. The Eagles were inspired by Michael Bussey, who had an impact in the ruck, Matt Clark and Tim Mannix.

Seaford coach Ben Murphy praised his players’ fighting qualities after they dug deep to beat Mt Eliza by 14 points and snap a three-game losing streak.

Seaford’s Kyle Matthews is swamped by Mt Eliza opponents. Picture: Chris Eastman

The Tigers climbed back into the five after kicking six goals into the wind in the third quarter — Matt McCormack slotting three of them — to set up a crucial 10.15 (75) to 8.13 (61) win at Miles Reserve.

“We needed to win to keep our season alive,’’ Murphy said.

“It was good to see the boys embrace the pressure and perform, and not shy away from it.’’

Rourke Fischer was brilliant for Seaford, while Ben Howlett, Dean Williamson and Curtis Murfett also played starring roles. The experienced Kyle Matthews made a solid return from six weeks out.

“We have to keep winning,’’ Murphy said. “We can’t afford to look too far ahead.’’

Mt Eliza’s Jem Thorne launches early as Seaford’s Bailey Schmidt takes a strong mark in front.

Seaford’s Kav-Aleer James cops a spray after the game. Picture: Chris Eastman

Bottom side Langwarrin made it two wins on the bounce, upsetting Mornington by three points, 7.10 (52) to 7.7 (49), at a windswept Lloyd Park. Langy skipper Matt Naughton inspired his side with a best-on-ground display, while Blake Peach, Gerard Brown, Shane Paterson and Kieran Albanese (four goals) were key figures.

Frankston YCW unleashed a big last quarter to nab Karingal by 12 points and avoid a shock defeat. Karingal led by 26 points at the last change before the Stonecats unleashed a 7.2 to 1.0 last quarter, winning 9.11 (65) to 8.5 (53). Christian Ongarello was superb for YCW, along with Craig Nankervis, Ryley Hodson and Kyle Hutchison. For a gallant Karingal, Michael Burke, Jake Kelly, Jacob Duscher and Nathan Villella battled away.

Mt Eliza’s Dan Gormley is tackled. Picture: Chris Eastman

In Nepean league, Red Hill is in the box seat to play finals after a crucial 13-point win over Dromana.

Climbing back into the five, the Hillmen, fifth, can control their finals destiny with three rounds to go.

“We’re alive and breathing,’’ Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said after his side outscored Dromana into the wind in the last quarter to win 8.11 (59) to 6.10 (46).

“Wonderful effort…once again, we had 22 contributors. We just keep on doing what we’ve got to do.’’

Blackford praised Red Hill defenders Jonah Siversen and Michael Mock for restricting Dromana forwards Sam Fowler and Ethan Johnstone to only one goal between them.

Red Hill ruckman Harry Wynn-Pope also excelled while Chris Irving and Ben Hughes booted two goals apiece and Josh Mold impressed.

Dromana’s best were Matt Price, Sam Geurts and Terry Wheeler.

Seaford coach Ben Murphy.

Sorrento remained undefeated after defusing a late Frankston Bombers bid to win 9.14 (68) to 6.7 (43) at Greg Beck Oval.

Finishing with the wind in the last quarter, the Bombers kicked two early goals to cut Sorrento’s lead to 15 points but the Sharks had the answers. Sorrento forward Nick Corp booted five goals in a best-on-ground display, while Leigh Poholke slotted three and Luke Tapscott dominated.

“Look, Sorrento are a great footy side,’’ Frankston Bombers coach Beau Muston said.

“We’ve got a bit of work to do if we think we can compete against them, however, they only kicked nine goals yesterday whereas the last time we played them they kicked 27, so I think it was a significant improvement.’’

Muston had a rough game, breaking his nose in the opening five minutes and tearing his hamstring in the last quarter. He had his nose straightened on Sunday morning but the hammy will keep him out for a couple of weeks at least. “I’ve never actually done a hammy before,’’ Muston said. “I should be right for the last round, if not, the first final hopefully.’’

Rye scored its biggest win of the season, thrashing Tyabb by 82 points at Rowley Reserve. Ben Trivett kicked five goals and Oscar Whitty ran rampant as the Demons fired off eight goals in the last quarter to win 19.12 (126) to 6.8 (44). Harry Whitty, Adam Kirkwood and Harrison Wilson also did well for Rye.

Rosebud climbed to second spot after trouncing Pearcedale 19.24 (138) to 8.5 (53). Ryan Spooner was brilliant and Keegan Downie booted five goals as the Buds improved their record to 12-3.

Tim McGenniss and Josh Westerman sizzled as Somerville dispatched Devon Meadows 15.20 (110) to 10.12 (72) to keep its finals hopes alive. For Devon, Allan Murray kicked six goals.

Reigning premiers Hastings thrashed Crib Point by 104 points, with Mark Devereaux dominating. The Blues had five multiple goal kickers, Nathan Gray (four), Paul Rogasch (four), Dale Alanis (three), Shaun Foster (two) and Luke Clark (two).