VAFA: Old Peninsula keep finals flame aglow with big win over Therry Penola in Division 1

Old Peninsula’s late bid for finals went up a gear with a 109-point win, while the Pirates outline their “2030 plan’’ and chase for a new coach.

Tom Feldgen with the ball for Old Peninsula as rain tumbles down. Picture: Anthony Pearce

For Old Peninsula, the chase is on — on two counts.

Firstly, the Pirates are zeroing in on their first finals berth since 2019.

Successive wins have lifted them to fifth spot in VAFA Division 1, a game from fourth spot with four rounds to play.

Off the ground, Old Peninsula is hunting for a “dedicated and ambitious” senior coach to guide it to its maiden senior premiership.

For a proud club nearing 50 years in operation, the Pirates are desperate to experience the exhilaration of a senior flag.

“Our playing group is committed and hungry for success,” Old Peninsula president Alex Wood said.

“The committee is aligned and stable with a clear 2030 plan.

“Financially, we are in an excellent position — we’ve got five new sponsors in 2024.”

Bailey Payze takes a kick for the Pirates. Picture: Facebook

Wood said the Pirates are looking for a new coach who:

*Is an experienced, ambitious senior level leader;

*Is thoughtful, consistent and a clear communicator;

*Knows how to nurture talent and command the huddle;

*Has ideas and thoughts on how great football clubs are run.

“This is a well-paid position — and it should be — as the demands are high on game days, through the week and pre-season leading up to each year,” Wood said.

Old Peninsula’s two key goals in its 2030 plan are to have six teams (currently the club has only seniors and reserves men’s) and to win three premierships.

On Saturday, Old Peninsula deputy vice-captain Killian Doyle gave a dominating performance as the Pirates thrashed Therry Penola by 109 points, 16.20 (116) to 0.7 (7) at Harry MacDonald Oval.

The percentage-boosting victory was the perfect way to celebrate Hugh “Disco” Peacock’s 100th game.

Jake Lovett, son of Melbourne great Brett Lovett, was instrumental in the engine room, while Lachlan Gibbs, James Bravo, Kurt Thiele and Ben Pulsford impressed.

Steve Kidd back in his playing days with St Bede’s Mentone Tigers. Picture: Mark Stewart

Young gun Bailey Payze kicked three goals to move to 34 for the season.

Since the departure of head coach Peter Williamson in late June, Old Peninsula’s interim coach Steven Kidd has gone 3-1 in his first four matches at the helm.

Kidd was recently made a life member at St Bede’s Mentone where he played in two of three premierships coached by Luke Beveridge.

Old Peninsula’s remaining games are against 8th West Brunswick, 1st Prahran, 10th Old Yarra Cobras and 2nd Ormond.

“It’s a massive few weeks for Old Peninsula leading into finals and there’s a real buzz about the prospect of playing in September once again,’’ Wood said.