Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League debuts this weekend

THE  new-look Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League will debut this weekend, with two reigning prem­iers to go head-to-head on Sunday.

THE  new-look Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League will debut this weekend, with two reigning prem­iers to go head-to-head on Sunday.

The 22 clubs that last year competed in two separate competitions, Peninsula and Nepean, have been mixed between two divisions this year.

Clubs will be able to be promoted or relegated between the divisions each year.

Former Nepean clubs Rosebud, Sorrento and Frankston Bombers have joined Peninsula clubs Mt Eliza, Bonbeach, Edithvale-Aspendale, Pines, Seaford, Mornington and Frankston YCW in Division 1.

Meanwhile in Division 2, Langwarrin, Chelsea and Karingal from the Peninsula league will play against Dromana, Rye, Hastings, Tyabb, Devon Meadows, Red Hill, Crib Point, Somerville and Pearcedale. Frankston YCW will host the Nepean league premier Sorrento in a blockbuster Easter Sunday clash, the only game in the region on Sunday.

YCW has won seven of the past eight Peninsula league premierships, while Sorrento won five of its grand final appearances between 2008 and 2014 before winning again last year.

The only Division 2 game this weekend is between Dromana and Rye.

“It’s going to be good in relation to the strong sides getting to duke it out to see who the best sides are on the peninsula,” Dromana coach Rikki Johnston said.

“I personally think it is the right call for footy on the peninsula.”

Plans to introduce a similar competition structure enabling clubs to move between divisions are ongoing in the AFL Barwon region for next year.