Two Mornington Peninsula league power clubs show interest in fielding a Southern league team

Two Mornington Peninsula league power clubs have shown interest in fielding a stand-alone side in the Southern league in 2024. Here are the latest details.

Two Mornington Peninsula league clubs with an abundance of players could be about to have a presence in the Southern Football Netball League.

Edithvale-Aspendale and Langwarrin have expressed interest in fielding a stand-alone side in the Southern league’s Thirds competition.

Edithvale-Aspendale plays in Division 2 of the MPFNL, while Langwarrin is in Division 1 after winning the premiership in three grades — the under-19s, reserves and seniors — in 2022.

Although neither clubs’ senior side made finals last season, both clubs showed depth with the Eagles winning the reserves premiership and the Kangaroos taking out a second consecutive under-19s flag.

Edi-Asp has already appointed a coach, Jeff Hooper, for its Thirds side and club president Peter O’Connor said the Eagles had ample numbers to field an extra side.

“We won the reserves flag and there were probably seven or eight who missed out,’’ he said.

“And a few missed out in the under 19s. They want to play footy for the jumper.

“We’ve tried them playing at other clubs and they just want to play at Edi.’’

Edithvale-Aspendale. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Langwarrin won three flags in 2022. Picture: Valeriu Campan

O’Connor said fielding a side in Southern league would provide Edi-Asp’s overflow of players a chance to play a game each week.

“And it’s structured in such a way they can play on a Friday night or a Saturday morning, they come back and watch their mates play and have a beer and that sort of thing,’’ he said.

“They need to have a run.

“I know there have been players in the last few years who have opted not to play because in the back of their mind they know they might not get a game in the twos, but these type players are coming back, they’re embracing the thirds side.’’

Langwarrin senior coach Josh Beard said the Roos are considering fielding a side together with Edi-Asp.

“To be realistic we’re thinking maybe if we’ve got 15 extra, we can field a side together,’’ he said.

“But it’s just in the conversation stage.’’

The SFNL Thirds competition has developed steadily in recent years through growing numbers across the league and the inception of new club Heatherhill.

A selection of clubs involved in the competition have opted to play Friday nights to appeal to a new audience as well as ease the burden of volunteers on a Saturday.

Edithvale-Aspendale and Langwarrin has until February to lodge its application.

The Thirds competition had 14 sides in 2023 but it’s understood that number will grow to potentially allow for two divisions in 2024.

While Sandown may withdraw, Black Rock and Moorabbin Kangaroos are both tipped to have shown enough numbers in the early stages of pre-season to consider a third team.