MPNFL

FOOTBALL returns to the Mornington Peninsula this weekend, with a few changes.

The former Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League has undergone a name change. The 2023 Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League begins on Saturday, 1 April.

One thing that remains unchanged is the eagerness of the footballers to get the season underway. Three seniors division one matches will take place on 1 April.

It will be a battle of the 2022 premiers on Saturday as reigning division one champions Frankston YCW take on division two premiers Langwarrin. It was a dream 2022 for Langwarrin, who went the whole season without losing a game. A win over the Stonecats would cement them as top division contenders.

The clash between Frankston YCW and Langwarrin takes place at 2pm at Lloyd Park on Saturday.

2022 runners up Bonbeach will host Frankston Bombers on Saturday afternoon. Pines and Mt Eliza will do battle at Eric Bell Reserve.

Round one will wrap up the following weekend. Dromana and Red Hill will play at 2pm on Good Friday at Dromana Recreation Reserve. The next day, Sorrento hosts Rosebud.

In division two, Karingal will look to make amends for last year’s Grand Final defeat with a win over Mornington this Saturday. The two sides will play at Alexandra Park at 2pm, 1 April.

Other division two matches on Saturday will see Devon Meadows play Pearcedale at Glover Reserve, Hastings host Seaford, and Crib Point take on Somerville at Crib Point Recreation Reserve.

There are two Good Friday matches scheduled in division two. Chelsea plays at home against Edithvale-Aspendale, and Tyabb will face Rye at Bunguyan Reserve.     

First published in the Mornington News – 28 March 2023