Picture: Andrew Hurst
After siren goal tops off thriller DIVISION TWO
By Brodie Cowburn MPNFL football is underway for 2019 after Rye and Pearcedale kicked off the season with a thriller. The division two season opener saw Rye face off against Pearcedale in difficult conditions at RJ Rowley Reserve on Saturday. Rye got off to a brilliant start in front of their home crowd, skipping away to a two goal lead going into quarter time. The second quarter saw momentum swing Pearcedale’s way, but they could not capitalise. In the windy con-
ditions they kicked 0.5 for the quarter. The Demons put just one behind on the scoreboard in the second quarter, which had Rye 10 points up at half time. As the second half got underway the Demons got back on top. Going into the final quarter, having led all day, they looked comfortable 24 points ahead. The final term saw Pearcedale come alive, running rampant and closing the gap to get within a kick with 90 second to play. With a little over a minute left on the clock, Pearcedale hit the front. They kicked another goal after the siren to add an exclamation point
to a brilliant comeback win. The final score read 7.9 (51) to 8.13 (61). Max Gearon was Pearcedale’s best. The opening weekend of the MPNFL season had two matches scheduled across both senior divisions. The second clash took place on Sunday, with Devon Meadows taking on Karingal. The match would be the debut of superstar Bulls signing Marc Holt, who lined up at full forward. The former Cranbourne superstar was expected to do big things, and he delivered in his debut. Despite more difficult conditions, the match was expected to be high scoring. In order to battle Holt in front
of goal, Devon Meadows superstar Michael Theodoridis would have to kick a bag as well. Things started well for Devon Meadows, who took a 21 point lead into half time. A five goals to none third term proved the difference though, as Karingal ran over the top of their opponents and claimed the victory 10.12 (72) to 12.14 (86). Holt kicked four majors in a successful debut for his new side. Next Saturday Karingal will take on Red Hill in match between two sides expected to contend for the premiership in 2019. Expectations are also high for Langwarrin and Chelsea
who will do battle at Lloyd Park. Crib Point host Rye on Saturday, while Pearcedale hosts Devon Meadows and Somerville hosts Seaford. On Sunday Hastings will kick off their season at home against Tyabb. Off the field Pearcedale were the big winners of the week, securing the signature of former Essendon and St Kilda star Brendon Goddard. He will play for the club in a one off match against Chelsea on 18 May. Pearcedale continue their tend of bringing in big names, last year bringing in Drew Petrie for a one off appearance, and the year before signing Barry Hall.
Titans to thrash it out in opener DIVISION ONE
By Brodie Cowburn DIVISION One football will kick off on Saturday in the MPNFL, with a clash of the titans between Frankston YCW and Sorrento the headline act. The two powerhouses will do battle at John Coburn Oval, with the Stonecats looking to make amends for a 2018 season that ended in unexpected disappointment. YCW were ravaged by injuries last season, and will welcome the chance to start afresh.
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For Sorrento, they will be looking to bounce back after suffering the most devastating of losses against Pines in last year’s grand final. When the final sinal blew in the final game of the 2018 season, Sorrento were level with Pines. A point after the siren saw the Sharks lose the premiership. Rarely lacking star power, Sorrento have brought in Sam Gibson for season 2019 after he racked up over 100 games for North Melbourne. At Emil Madsen Reserve, Pines will
kick off their premiership defence away from home in a tough clash against Mt Eliza. The Redlegs were impressive last season and fell to Sorrento in the preliminary final. They knocked Frankston YCW out of the finals after a big performance from full forward Jordan Moncrieff. Coach troy Shannon departed in the offseason, but they will still be looking to go one better and make the big dance. Pines have signed Robin Nahas up for the 2019 season to help them in
their quest to go back to back. The small forward plied his trade with Richmond and North Melbourne at AFL level. Dromana will be making their division one debut after a big grand final win last season in the second division. The Tigers will take on Rosebud at Olympic Park, a big road trip for their first battle. Rosebud were poor in 2018, but have a big chance to start anew under the watchful eye of new coach Nick Jewell.
Edithvale-Aspendale kick off their 2019 campaign with a tough task against Mornington, who showed plenty of promise last season and will be looking to make finals this time around. Edi-Asp struggle badly in front of goal last season, which eventually cost them despite performing well in other parts of the ground. At Greg Beck Oval Frankston Bombers will take on Bonbeach, who will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2018.