MPNFL left to curse missed chances at the MCG as Geelong FNL retains status as No. 1 comp in Victoria

THERE was no MCG party for the MPNFL interleague side on Saturday.

Luke Tapscott gathers the ball for the MPNFL against Geelong FNL at the MCG on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

THERE was no MCG party for the MPNFL interleague side on Saturday.

The boys from the peninsula had to put on a brave face as Geelong FNL players whooped it up on the famous ground after they won the WorkSafe AFL Victoria Community Championships “grand final’’ by 22 points, 16.9 (105) to 11.17 (83).

Yet again, Geelong FNL wore the crown as the No. 1 ranked league in Victoria.

In a nutshell, the Geelong side was more polished than the MPNFL.

Geelong kicked the opening goal of the game and stayed in front throughout.

The MPNFL had its moments, out-playing Geelong at times, but was wasteful and paid the price.

MPNFL captain Rikki Johnston said Geelong’s “run and gun’’ style of play paid off.

“They were running downhill towards goal really hard and they backed themselves to win the footy,’’ he said.

“They got a lot of their goals a lot easier (than us), their inside fifties were a lot more efficient than ours. But in saying that if we kick a couple more of those goals and put more pressure on them maybe it changes, but that’s footy.’’

Early on, Geelong beat the MPNFL at the centre clearances and looked cleaner with the ball.

Geelong FNL’s Luke Delaney spoils MPNFL forward Tim Bongetti.

Scott McLeod marks for the MPNFL. Pictures: Mark Dadswell

Nick Corp kicked the MPNFL’s first goal after a slick passage of play involving Aaron Edwards and Tim Bongetti, but Geelong FNL responded with two goals in 30 seconds to sprint to a 15-point lead in the first term.

It was to be the trend throughout; Geelong had an answer to every MPNFL question.

Geelong led by 21 points at the first change but the MPNFL surged within seven points after back-to-back goals from Frankston YCW teammates Matthew La Fontaine and Kyle Hutchison, who snapped truly on his left as he was tackled.

But despite the MPNFL’s efforts, Geelong’s lead remained 21 points when the half-time siren sounded.

On the way off, there was a scuffle between players and Bongetti received a yellow card.

The third term began brightly for the MPNFL. Shane McDonald, sporting fluorescent green boots, kicked the opening goal to cut Geelong’s lead to 15 points.

MPNFL’s Scott McLeod celebrates a goal.

MPNFL’s Tim Bongetti. Pictures: Mark Dadswell

But Geelong responded with the next three majors.

The MPNFL’s key forwards failed to fire — Edwards, Bongetti and Guy Hendry were well held — and it was left to mercurial McDonald to provide a spark. He looked dangerous but let himself down by missing several shots.

Geelong darted 26 points ahead late in the third term after a superb goal-on-the-run from skipper Jason Davenport.

The former Port Adelaide player then kicked the sealer in the last term, putting Geelong up by 34 points.

It was a physical game and the running was intense but the tackles weren’t bruising.

The MPNFL’s best player was ruckman Dylan Jones, who was a stand-out all game with his mobility and deft tap work. Beau Cosson down back was another fine contributor.

Geelong FNL celebrate with the trophy at the MCG on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

It was a loss, but for the 18 MPNFL players who were playing their first game on the home of football, it still was a career highlight.

Johnston said it was a great experience.

“It was kinda surreal in a lot of ways,’’ he said.

“It was exciting. First and foremost we went there to win a game of footy.

“It was a great day. It was a once in a lifetime experience for a lot of the blokes. To go there and warm up in nice rooms and just be looked after really well was fantastic.

“Towards the end of the game, supporters started filtering in and to see yourself up on the big screen, it was a real thrill for the guys, no doubt.’’

Geelong FNL 5.1, 9.2, 14.4, 16.9 (105) d MPNFL 1.4, 4.11, 8.13, 11.17 (83).

Goals: N. Corp 2, M. La Fontaine 2, L. Tapscott 2, S. MacLeod, S. McDonald, P. Minchington, K. Hutchison, J. Miller.

Best: D. Jones, B. Cosson, S. MacLeod, J. Hallahan, W. Miller, S. McDonald.