Southern league Division 1: Three first-gamers make their mark for Cheltenham

Three debutants helped the Rosellas to a tremendous victory over a worthy Bentleigh at Arthur St.

Cheltenham first-gamers Rex Kilburn and Declan and Alex McComb. Pic: Andrew Keech, Cheltenham FNC.

It was young talent time for Cheltenham.

The Rosellas gave first games to three emerging teenagers last Saturday as they got the better of Bentleigh in the Southern league Division 1 match at Arthur St.

Twins Alec and Declan McComb and Rex Kilburn made debuts in the 13.6 (84) to 9.12 (66) victory.

Alec McComb was particularly impressive, kicking three goals.

He’s the captain of the Mentone Grammar school football team this season, and his brother is co vice-captain with AFL draftee Jacob Edwards.

Kilburn is on the books at NAB League club Sandringham Dragons. His father, Dave, played with the Rosellas.

“Rex was very good. He can play as an inside mid and small forward, and with Jackson Kilner being out and with school footy not being held, there was an opportunity for us to bring in a like-for-like,’’ Chelt coach Des Ryan said.

“He was strong over the ball in the contest. He was quite impressive actually.’’

The McCombs have been playing in Mentone Grammar’s First XVIII since Year 9, and are in the St Kilda Next Generation Academy.

They are also accomplished cricketers.

Alec sealed the win for the Rosellas with a classy goal. “There wasn’t anything fundamental about it. It was a bit of tutti-frutti,’’ Ryan said.

He said the brothers were most promising players with good skills, running ability and courage.

“Really pleased with how all three of them performed,’’ Ryan said.

“We had a good first quarter against a tough wind and the three kids were right in the thick of it.’’

The Rosellas kicked to the scoring end in the final quarter and turned an 11-point deficit into a strong victory against an admirable opponent.

Jack Worrell played as a forward/onballer and was influential with three goals. Ryan said he was “enormous’’.

Jackson Barclay was important too.

Ryan said in his time at the Rosellas they had beaten the Demons at home only once, by four points in 2019.

“It was never going to be an easy day,’’ he said.

“I think Bentleigh have got a bit if blue sky ahead of them … with two Under 19 teams, they’ve got a good future.’’

Austin Johnson on the move for Frankston in his VFL debut. Pic: Matt Walker

In another lifter for Chelt, Austin Johnson made his VFL debut for Frankston on Sunday night at Werribee and was handy with 12 possessions.

With two players out for the season with knee injuries, the Dolphins promoted Johnson from the supplementary to the senior list. He was also attracting interest from other VFL clubs.

Port Melbourne Colts’ bid for a top-three slot took a blow with a loss at home to St Paul’s.

The Doggies, with key players back and confidence restored, won 12.17 (89) to 10.11 (71).

They may well be the best eighth-placed team in suburban football.

Colts coach Graeme Yeats said it was a disappointing loss for his team, which was missing playmakers Chris Deluca (wrist) and Mitch Clarke (hamstring).

Colts coach Graeme Yeats. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Yeats was aware St Paul’s had stretched Cheltenham to all but breaking point in the previous round.

“I just thought we’d beat them if we brought our best, but we didn’t bring our best, and they were really good,’’ he said.

“Disappointing that they outworked us and looked like they wanted it more. They were hungrier for longer and harder for longer.

“Teams will come at us all the time, and that’s what we’ve been talking about, and we’ve lapsed at times and created problems for ourselves. What we’re trying to do is develop something that’s sustainable every week, for 20 weeks. We want to play the same way no matter what, and not pick and choose.’’

Port Melbourne VFL-listed Nick Stathopoulos kicked two goals and was among the best for St Paul’s.

In other matches:

* Dingley stayed on top of the ladder by getting past East Malvern 11.16 (82) to 7.6 (48). Talented youngster Lachie Lamble was best-afield for the Dingoes, with the consistent Jackson Peet and Luke Simmonds not far behind.

* Mordialloc picked up its fourth win at the expense of bottom team Highett, 9.13 (67) to 4.7 (31).

* Former AFL forward Aaron Edwards booted eight goals as St Kilda City swept past Oakleigh District 17.15 (117) to 4.6 (30). Edwards now has 41 goals from 10 matches for the third-placed City.