Coach says Mornington Peninsula side chomping at the bit to play at the MCG

MPNFL coach John Hynes says the MCG will bring out the best in his players when they tackle Geelong Football Netball League on Saturday, May 13.

Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League coach John Hynes is determined to win a state title at the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

MPNFL coach John Hynes says the MCG will bring out the best in his players when they tackle Geelong Football Netball League in the top-ranked WorkSafe AFL Victoria Community Championships match on Saturday, May 13.

It was confirmed today that the match will be played at the home of footy, as a curtain-raiser to the Round 8 dedicated AFL Country Game between Essendon and Geelong.

Hynes expects his men to put nerves aside and play their best football on “The G’’.

“Obviously we are up against one of the best interleague sides for a long time,’’ he said.

“We’re going to have our work cut out but I think we are up for the challenge.

“I think we’ve got enough blokes who have played good level footy; quite a number of players who’ve played at least VFL footy.

“So I’m not concerned so much about the stage. If anything, I see it (playing on the MCG) as being a motivating factor rather than a negative thing.’’

Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League’s Aaron Edwards marks at full stretch in front of Northern's Ned Mckeown last year. Picture: David Trend

Sorrento midfielder Luke Tapscott is in the MPNFL interleague squad. Picture: Chris Eastman

The MPNFL squad has been training since January and Hynes has been pleased with the “buy-in’’ from his players.

“We will have a really strong side,’’ he said.

The MPNFL side is likely to include former West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond forward Aaron Edwards (now playing with Pines), ex-Demon Luke Tapscott (Sorrento) and former VFL players Luke Potts (Pines), Tim Bongetti (Pines), Shane McDonald (Bonbeach) and James Hallahan (Sorrento).

In addition, the 11 v 12 match between Hampden Football Netball League and South East Football Netball League will be also be played in Melbourne’s sporting precinct at the Holden Centre.

The MPNFL interleague squad training at Frankston Park.

AFL Victoria Community Football Operations Manager Gerard Ryan said this was a fantastic opportunity for local players to experience playing football at elite AFL facilities.

“We are delighted to provide some of community football’s best senior players with the chance to run out and showcase their skills in front of big crowds in the heart of Melbourne’s sporting precinct,” Ryan said.

“The AFL Country Game is a great platform to highlight the importance of regional Victoria and for city and country football fans to come together and celebrate country football.’’