Southern league Division 3: Michael Donehue bags 10 goals for Black Rock

Black Rock, armed with a new key forward and other recruits, has made a rousing start to the Southern league season.

Michael ‘Buddy’ Spohn launches for a mark for the Jets. Pic: Black Rock FNC

Black Rock didn’t have to carry out a great recruiting mission to land Michael Donehue.

Coach Ryan Handley says the player he calls “Mickey D’’ joined the Jets by chance.

“He fell into our lap,’’ Handley said, explaining how a former player had got talking to Donehue at the gym.

The conversation turned to football and the ex-Rocker suggested that if Donehue was looking for a game of football, he might find it with the Jets.

He accepted the invitation.

And after four matches he’s kicked 28 goals in Division 3 of the Southern league, helping Black Rock to a 5-0 start.

Black Rock newcomer Michael Donehue.

“Good player, Mickey D,’’ Handley said.

“He’s a country boy, originally from Benalla, and he’s played a fair bit of footy, in the Ovens and Murray mainly, and he’s been living down in Melbourne for a little bit.

“He met one of our former players at the local gym, they struck up a conversation, the question was put, ‘Mate, why don’t you come down and have a run?’ and here we are.

“He’s a power forward, plays tall and small. Very athletic, takes a really nice grab and he’s a beautiful kick for goal. We’re very lucky to have him.’’

Finn Geddes boots Black Rock into attack.

Donehue kicked 10 goals on Saturday as the Jets overwhelmed South Mornington 28.16 (184) to 5.10 (40) at William St Reserve.

Jaryd Wines booted six goals and “Buddy’’ Spohn and Cooper Ferries four apiece.

Wines has taken another step with his football, according to Handley.

“He’s been around the club for a while but he’s really committed this year and got himself in decent condition,’’ he said.

“He had a breakout game against Ashwood three weeks ago when he stood up tall in the last quarter. He took two big grabs and kicked two great goals. On Saturday he got off the chain a bit and took his turn to have a lick at the ice cream, so to speak.’’

As for Spohn, Handley said his athletic big man could play senior football at any club in Southern.

With former Bayswater premiership ruckman Harris Elkasovic among the package of Eastern league players brought to the club by Handley, the Jets have the luxury of playing Spohn in other positions. On Saturday he played half forward.

“He’s a superstar. Can’t speak highly enough of him,’’ Handley said.

“He’s one of the best athletes I’ve seen on the footy field and that’s in all divisions. He can play anywhere, a genuine utility and he’s American. Unbelievable.’’

At the other end of the age scale, Handley is chuffed with 19-year-old Finn Geddes, calling him a “breath of fresh air’’ and a “very nice prospect’’.

Joe Brennan is in the same bracket.

“He’s in his early 20s and has taken the next step in the development of his football, just like Finn,’’ Handley said.

Coach Ryan Handley takes a kick for the Jets. Pic: Black Rock FNC

It’s been a rollicking start to the season for Black Rock and its new coach, who is the son of club legend Kevin Handley.

“They’ve showed a lot of commitment … everyone is on the same page,’’ Ryan Handley said.

“I’m just getting a kick out of watching the boys want to improve. We’re having heaps of fun, to be honest.’’

He added: “Games of footy are hard to win, no matter the opposition. I know it’s a cliche but we’re taking it one week at time. We’ve been smashed from pillar to post in recent years … 2019 wasn’t a great year for us, and I gave the boys a gentle reminder of that on the weekend.’’