MPNFL 2019: Frankston YCW motivated to return to top after end of premiership streak
There was something different about MPNFL grand final day last year. Frankston YCW was nowhere to be seen. The Stonecats have no plans for that to be the case again in 2019.
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There was something different about MPNFL grand final day last year.
Frankston YCW was nowhere to be seen.
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The perennial power of the competition was chasing its fifth successive premiership but fell off the pace and was a spectator as Pines and Sorrento played out a classic grand final.
Coach Wayne Cap was watching on but would have much preferred to be involved, as he had been in the 2017 success.
Fast forward six months and the Stonecats are plotting a return to the top.
Capp says pre-season training has been of a high standard and he senses a new-found motivation among the playing group.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season,” he said.
“We’ve had huge numbers on the track, it’s been amazing.
“We’ve had a big influx of Under 19s this year. I think something like 18 or 19 have come straight up, so that’s really swelled our numbers. And with a few new guys it’s been really good.”
Frankston YCW’s recruits include former Gold Coast Suns academy player James Holland. The 22-year-old, who played in a flag with Palm Beach Currumbin last season, will give the Stonecats’ midfield a shot of energy.
YCW have also signed West Australian tall forward Jimmy Miller (195cm), who is also on the Frankston Dolphins VFL list.
“We are reasonably confident he will play a fair bit of footy with us,” Capp said.
“He’s an exciting prospect.”
But perhaps YCW’s most significant additions are a bunch of familiar faces. Kevin Lylak, Matt La Fontaine, Jake Lovett, Macklin Raine and Luke Paynter — all members of the Stonecats’ 2017 premiership side — are back at Jubilee Park full-time after a stint on Frankston’s VFL list.
“Getting the fellas back from Frankston was a real bonus for us,” Capp said.
“They’ve all come back in really good nick and they’re really hungry. That’s going to be a big plus for us this season.
“We’re only going to have five or six VFL blokes whereas last year we had 13. Our list is going to be much stronger because of that.”
This is also Frankston YCW’s 60th year of existence; the Stonecats’ diamond jubilee at Jubilee, if you like.
New YCW president Andrew Schneider said as part of celebrations the club will launch the “Frankston YCW wall of fame” where it will etch the name of every premiership player into the walls at the club.
Frankston YCW has won 16 senior, seven reserves and a dozen U18/19s premierships.
YCW kicks off a big season with a home game against Sorrento on Saturday, April 6.
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