Picture: Craig Barrett
Stonecats slay Sharks in Grand Final MPNFL
By Brodie Cowburn
DIVISION ONE
FRANKSTON YCW are premiers of the MPNFL once again. The powerhouse club claimed premiership glory with an impressive Grand Final win over Bonbeach at
Skybus Stadium last Sunday. Both clubs had to contend with wet conditions in Frankston. The Stonecats had the better of Bonbeach in the first quarter, but couldn’t make them pay. They kicked six behinds in a frustrating first term. Frankston YCW kicked straight in the second quarter, and established a
handy lead. After a five-goals-to-one second term they went into half time ahead by 29 points. The main break came at a good time for the Sharks. Bonbeach booted four majors after half time to cut the lead back to nine points heading into the final quarter. Frankston YCW stormed home in
the last quarter to claim the win and the premiership. They ran out 10.11 (71) to 6.9 (45) winners. Brenton Lambert was named the best player on the ground. The premiership is Frankston YCW’s first in five years. Between 2010 and 2017 the club went on a legendary run, winning seven grand
finals. The Stonecats also enjoyed premiership success in the reserves. Frankston YCW lifted the reserves premiership cup by beating Red Hill 11.6 (72) to 9.5 (59) on Sunday. Mt Eliza were crowned under-19 premiers after a thrilling 9.5 (59) to 8.9 (57) win over Frankston YCW.
Raiders break through THE Peninsula Raiders superules football club has broken a 27-year drought this season, with the over 45’sa team taking home premiership and bringing home the gold. The club is based at Alexandra Park in Mornington, and has about 110 players across four teams. Club secretary Matt Thomas said the finals two weeks ago was a massive confidence boost for the members, bringing some players to tears and cementing the camaraderie within the club. “Some of these guys have joined us after taking breaks from the game for up to 25 years, so it’s great to see them get out there and win,” he said. “It might have been a long time for many, but it’s still white line fever and a lot of fun”. Thomas said not all older players had been involved heavily in football in their younger years, but all got a buzz out of being back in the game. He said superules football was becoming more and more popular because of the fitness and social op-
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portunities. “At the moment we have two over 35 teams, an over 45 and over 50, but there is a lot of interest from than that so next year we are bringing in an over 55s team,” he said. “There really isn’t any reason why older men can’t play football, as long as they are reasonably fit, and there are many benefits to being involved.” The Peninsula Raiders was established 1996 and this year celebrated its 27th season of superules football. The Raiders are the AFL Masters representative team on the Mornington Peninsula. Thomas says the club is centred around community, family and men’s health. In season 2023 Peninsula Raiders are looking at starting a women’s over 35 team and are currently asking for people interested to get in contact. Anyone interested in joining or finding out more information can contact Matt Thomas at mthomas20@ woolworths.com.au