MPFNL
MEN’S DIV ONE
MT Eliza, Dromana, and Langwarrin are locked in a tight race for the top five with one round left to play in the home-and-away season.
After Saturday’s games, Mt Eliza and Dromana occupy the final two spots in the top five. Langwarrin is sixth with a significant percentage disadvantage.
Mt Eliza earned a hard-fought win over Frankston YCW last weekend to put themselves in pole position for finals. The Redlegs raced out to a lead in the second quarter, and held on for the rest of the day. Mt Eliza beat the Stonecats 12.8 (80) to 10.8 (68).
Finlay Bayne, Jasper O’Neill, Fraser Phillips, Will Bravo, and Finn O’Neill were Mt Eliza’s best.
Dromana sit fifth after a defeat on Saturday against ladder leaders Rosebud. Dromana were competitive against Rosebud, but fell just short. Rosebud won 13.4 (82) to 13.13 (91).
Langwarrin kept its finals hopes alive with a 33 point win against Red Hill.
Mornington beat Pines by a point in a thriller on Saturday. Edithvale-Aspendale closed out the round with a 21 point win over Sorrento.
MEN’S DIV TWO
SOMERVILLE has secured its spot in the finals with a miracle win over ladder leaders Frankston Bombers.
With a thrilling finals race playing out, Somerville would need to beat the Bombers to remain a chance of making the top five. The Bombers have been nearly unbeatable this season, losing just once before Saturday.
After a tight opening term, Somerville led by seven points. A nightmare run for the Bombers in front of goal followed. Frankston Bombers scored a whopping 12 behinds without scoring a goal after the quarter-time break. Somerville took advantage of their opponent’s struggles in front of goal, going on to claim a 30 point win 8.13 (61) to 3.13 (31).
Corey Battams booted two goals for Somerville. Jack Moroney, Luke Burton, Mitch Mantell, Lochie Fewster, and Lachlan Haskett were named in the best.
Crib Point’s clash with Chelsea proved to be an early elimination final, with the winner of the match joining Somerville in the top five. The Magpies hosted Chelsea in what proved to be a thriller. Both sides were evenly matched all day, with Crib Point heading into the final break ahead by 10 points.
After a scrappy final quarter, Chelsea snuck into the lead. The Seagulls held on to break Crib Point’s hearts, winning 6.14 (50) to 7.12 (54).
Chelsea, Somerville, and Crib Point each finished the season on 48 points, with Crib Point missing the top five by 1.5 percent. Devon Meadows also finished on 48 points—the Panthers ended up third on percentage.
Devon Meadows beat second-place Pearcedale by 11 points on Saturday to secure their finals spot.
Seaford beat Bonbeach by three points and Tyabb beat Hastings by six points in the other highlights of the round. Rye closed out the afternoon with a 21 point win over Karingal.
NEXT WEEK’S GAMES
DIVISION ONE MEN’S
Saturday 23 August, 2pm:
- Dromana v Pines – Dromana Recreation Reserve
- Frankston YCW v Edithvale-Aspendale – John Coburn Oval
- Langwarrin v Mornington – Lloyd Park
- Red Hill v Sorrento – Red Hill Recreation Reserve
- Rosebud v Mt. Eliza – Olympic Park Rosebud
DIVISION TWO MEN’S
Saturday 23 August, 2.15pm:
Qualifying Final
- Pearcedale v Devon Meadows – Baxter Park
Sunday 24 August, 2.15pm:
Elimination Final
- Chelsea v Somerville – Chelsea Recreation Reserve
