Author: Brodie Cowburn

MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONELANGWARRIN have kept their finals hopes alive with a gritty win over Mt Eliza. After a tight opening term at Lloyd Park on Saturday, Langwarrin took control in the second quarter. The Kangaroos took a three goal lead into the half-time break. Mt Eliza refused to go down without a fight, and kept hanging in there. Langwarrin proved too good though – the Kangaroos beat the Redlegs 9.9 (63) to 8.5 (53). A loss would have proved a near-fatal blow to the Kangaroo’s finals aspirations. The win leaves Langwarrin in sixth place, equal on points with Mt…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONE DROMANA picked up a hugely important win on Saturday at home against Edithvale-Aspendale. Dromana were the better side from the get-go. A five-goals-to-one first term put the Tigers in the box seat. Edithvale-Aspendale chipped the lead back to 15 by half-time, but Dromana sealed the outcome with a big third quarter. Dromana beat Edithvale-Aspendale 17.15 (117) to 11.9 (75). Reece Wilde, Sam Geurts, Billy Quigley, Billy Geurts, and Clayton Gay were Dromana’s best. Nathan Higgins and Ben Tovey booted three goals each. The result leaves Dromana fifth on the ladder with 32 points. Sorrento, Pines, and…

THE Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League is under fire for scheduling its women’s football finals matches on a Sunday night. Last week the MPFNL announced that the Women’s Division One qualifying and elimination finals would take place at 6pm on Sunday, 3 August. Division One Women’s games are almost always played on a Saturday, with just two Sunday games played during the home-and-away season this year. John Coburn Oval, the home of Frankston YCW, will host the women’s matches. A viral post from social media page Not All Clubs, which spotlights inequality in sports, called out the MPFNL for its…

MEN’S DIV ONE FRANKSTON YCW have held on to defeat rivals Sorrento in a classic shrouded in controversy. Frankston YCW led at each break of play, but just couldn’t put the game to bed. When the final siren went, scores were tied on the scoreboard, only to have the umpires confer and then correct the scores, showing a one-point win to the Stonecats. The final result was 10.10 (70) to 10.9 (69). Blake Mullane, Patrick Bloink, Max Gregory, Heath Bidgood, and Matt Hill were YCW’s best — Bloink booted three goals. Ryan Clarke kicked three goals for the Sharks. Ladder…

FRANKSTON Council is escalating its dispute with a Nepean Highway homeowner to stop him from illegally building a seawall on Frankston Beach. The property owner came under fire earlier this year when it was revealed he was allegedly conducting illegal works on public land at the back of his property. Last week, the ABC reported that the property owner had ignored the stop-work order and continued to build the wall. The Times understands that Frankston Council has resolved to send the resident a notice of demand. Councillors considered the matter during the confidential section of last week’s public meeting —…

MEN’S DIV ONE Mt Eliza kept their season alive last weekend with a win over fellow finals contender Dromana. Both sides have suffered from mixed results in season 2025. Mt Eliza hosted the match with Dromana at Emil Madsen Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Poor goalkicking cost Dromana badly. The Tigers failed to kick a goal in the second and third quarters, allowing Mt Eliza to build an unassailable lead. Dromana played some better footy in the final term, but the damage was done. Mt Eliza secured a comfortable 14.12 (96) to 5.11 (41) win. Robbie Elliott booted four goals for…

MEN’S DIV TWO Somerville picked up a vital win over Devon Meadows on Saturday afternoon. Both sides came into the match at Glover Reserve in the mix for finals spots. Somerville struck the first blow and went into the quarter-time break ahead by a goal. Devon Meadows held Somerville goalless in the second term, opening up a three-goal lead. Somerville whittled the lead back but still needed to close a 16-point gap in the last quarter. Somerville mounted an impressive comeback in the closing stages. Devon Meadows failed to kick a goal in the final term, which handed Somerville an…

FRANKSTON Hospital is set to undergo a name change once its redevelopment is complete. Early next year, Frankston Hospital will be rebranded the Peninsula University Hospital. The name change comes as Peninsula Health strengthens its ties with Monash University.Monash University executive dean of medicine, nursing and health sciences, Professor Christina Mitchell, says hundreds of university students make positive contributions to the hospital each year. “Over 940 Monash students delivered approximately 307,000 clinical placement hours across allied health, nursing and midwifery and medicine with Peninsula Health in the last year and we partner together in excellent research at the National Centre…

Men’s Division One After a string of thrilling wins, luck has finally turned against Langwarrin. The Kangaroos have won a series of nail-biters this season. They took on Pines at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday in what would go on to be another close one. The Pythons and Kangaroos were neck-and-neck all day long. Pines went into the three-quarter break ahead by nine points. Langwarrin snuck ahead in the final term, but a late Pines goal sealed the win for the Pythons. Final score: Pines 8.13 (61) def. Langwarrin 8.10 (58) Sorrento also won a tight one on Saturday —…

COUNCILLORS across Victoria have been handed a three percent pay rise. On 30 June the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal announced it would increase base allowances for councillors by three percent, with the changes effective from the following day.The Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston Council, and Kingston Council are each designated “category three” councils. From 1 July 2025 category three mayors will be paid $142,661, which will rise further to $146,319 on 18 December this year. Deputy mayors are now paid $71,329, rising to $73,159 on 18 December. Category three councillors will be paid $41,992 during the 2025/2026 financial year.Beginning on July…

THE state government is reportedly set to introduce new laws to hold churches vicariously liable for sexual abuse that occurs under their watch. The new law will override last year’s High Court decision that the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat was not vicariously liable for the sexual abuse of a young boy because the offender was not an employee. The High Court overturned the Victorian Supreme Court’s ruling that the church was vicariously liable – the man who sued the diocese was originally awarded $230,000 damages.After a vocal campaign by victim-survivors of sexual abuse, the state government is preparing changes to…

MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONEROSEBUD are back on the winner’s list after beating Pines on Saturday.Ladder leaders Rosebud came into the match off of a shock three point loss to Langwarrin. They remained on top of the ladder by percentage only.Pines were up for the fight at Olympic Park last weekend. The Pythons led at the first break by a point. By three-quarter-time Rosebud had taken the lead, but only by seven points.Rosebud finished the job with a strong final quarter, going on to win 15.10 (100) to 12.8 (80). They kicked the last four goals to wrap things up.Campbell Hustwaite,…

A SCAM has been targeting commuters parked at the Frankston Railway Station car park. Fake infringement notices (pictured above) purporting to be from Frankston Council have been placed on windshields. Frankston Council has confirmed the fines are fraudulent.Last week Frankston councillor Brad Hill told social media “these fake parking “Infridgement” notices are appearing on car windscreens in Frankston. The one reported to me was at the railway station car park, which of course is free parking. “They are not from the council. It’s a scam. Throw them in the bin.”Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said “my office has been made aware…

MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONELANGWARRIN pulled off yet another miracle win on Saturday. The Kangaroos came into the game in third place thanks to a string of close wins throughout the season. They hosted Rosebud at Lloyd Park last weekend.Langwarrin and Rosebud played out an all-time classic. Rosebud were the better side for most of the day, and led at each break of play. Trailing by just eight points at three-quarter-time, the Kangaroos made their move in the final term. They hopped into the lead with three late goals, and held on for a thrilling three-point win. Langwarrin defeated Rosebud 12.5…

MPFNL MEN’S DIV ONEAFTER a hard-fought battle on Saturday, Edithvale-Aspendale and Mornington finished all square.Edi-Asp hosted the Bulldogs for a chilly afternoon of football. After a tight opening term, Mornington opened up a three goal lead heading into the half-time break. The margin tightened up in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs remained ahead. With ten minutes left to play in the game Mornington was 14 points in front.Two late Edi-Asp goals put the game within a kick. They had a late opportunity to win, but could only add a behind to their total to bring scores level. The siren…

A FATHER at Sorrento Beach has thrown caution to the wind by diving into the water to rescue his daughter. He saved his daughter’s life, but it nearly came at the cost of his own.Peter and his family were at Sorrento over the summer when their daughter got caught in deep water. After saving her and returning to shore, Peter began to suffer a medical emergency. “My son ran over and told me my daughter had gone into the deep water. I tried to see where she was, I could not see her at first. I saw her and then…

MPNFL MEN’SROSEBUD and Sorrento took centre stage on Saturday at Olympic Park. Just one point separated the two sides at the first break. Sorrento were the better side in the second term, taking a 15 point lead into half-time. Rosebud came out of the half-time break looking fired up. They piled eight goals onto the scoreboard to open up a 17 point lead.Sorrento fought back in the final quarter, but weren’t able to do enough to grab back the lead. Rosebud beat the Sharks 14.11 (95) to 13.7 (85). Liam Tidd, Stephen Cumming, Miller Stewart, Mitchell White, and William Hartung…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO looked to get their season back on track last weekend on the road against Pines. The Sharks have endured a difficult 2025 season so far, languishing in the bottom half of the ladder. They conceded 22 goals to Frankston YCW in their last outing, and were looking to make amends against the Pythons.Sorrento put together a better defensive display at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday, holding Pines to ten goals. Sorrento beat Pines 10.13 (73) to 14.13 (97). Pines led by 20 points at the half-time break, but were overwhelmed in the second half. Jordan Doherty,…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEA RUTHLESS Frankston YCW piled on 22 goals to claim an impressive win over Sorrento at David McFarlan Reserve on Saturday. The two peninsula powerhouses came into the contest in very different positions. The Stonecats have been good this season, and Sorrento have struggled to garner any momentum.A dominant first half put Frankston YCW in the box seat. The Stonecats were clinical in front of goal, booting 12.1 in the first half. Sorrento showed more fight in the second half, but the damage had been done. The Stonecats prevailed 15.11 (101) to 22.7 (139). Riley D’Arcy and…

MORE money from other levels of government is needed to improve safety on the road near the Little Grasshoppers Early Learning Centre in Moorooduc, according to the shire’s mayor. The childcare centre sits on the corner of Moorooduc Highway and Eramosa Road. Last week Mornington MP Chris Crewther called for a zebra crossing to be installed to improve safety for children crossing the road (Action needed on childcare road, The News 13/5/2025). The Department of Transport asked that questions about the road be directed to the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Last week Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said, “speed…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEROSEBUD notched up another win on Saturday, getting the better of Frankston YCW.A five-goals-to-one first term put Rosebud in control. The Stonecats fought back in the second quarter, but their hopes were dashed after half-time. The Stonecats were held goalless in the third term. Rosebud ran out winners 11.9 (75) to 7.8 (50). Callum White booted four goals for Rosebud. Zac Maynard, Liam Tidd, William Hartung, Campbell Hustwaite, and Mitchell White were named their best. Christian Tsiampas scored four goals for the Stonecats. Rosebud sits on top of the ladder with five wins to their name. Edithvale-Aspendale…

A FORMER McClelland College teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. Orhan Sahin taught high school science at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston from 2023 until May 2024, and worked as a casual relief teacher in 2022. On 13 May, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence sent a letter to parents informing them that Sahin had been charged with child sexual offences. “Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible. I will also be notifying families of former students who were here at the…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES piled on 20 goals last weekend to grab an impressive win over Mornington.After a tight opening quarter, Pines opened up a two goal lead in the second term. They put seven goals on the scoreboard in the third term to cement their lead. Pines kept up the pressure in the final quarter, and went on to grab a 14.12 (96) to 20.15 (135) win. Lachlan Sharp booted six goals for Pines, and Dylan Williams scored four. Kai Owens kicked four goals for the Bulldogs. Off the field, there was a strange sight on the sidelines. Mornington…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES have handed Rosebud their first defeat of the 2025 season. A stirring final quarter comeback saw the Pythons topple Rosebud. Pines overcame a 22 point three-quarter-time deficit to claim a brilliant 15.8 (98) to 13.8 (86) win. Pines kicked seven goals in the final term, and restricted Rosebud to just one. Lachlan Sharp was the hero for Pines – he booted five goals in a best-on-ground performance. Callum White kicked four goals for Rosebud.Edithvale-Aspendale’s strong start to the season continued on Saturday with a win over Mt Eliza.Edi-Asp have lost just one game so far this…

THE RSPCA is investigating reports of dangerously underweight horses at a Mt Eliza property. Protesters have gathered regularly at the Moorooduc Highway property to draw attention towards the condition of the horses. The RSPCA has now confirmed it is looking into the situation. “RSPCA Victoria is actively investigating a case of seven underweight horses and working with the owner to improve their health. We appreciate the community’s concern and can confirm we have an active investigation regarding this matter,” the RSPCA statement read. “Our inspectors will continue to attend and investigate this matter to ensure any welfare concerns are rectified…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES struck late in the game to beat Frankston YCW in a thriller on Saturday night.John Coburn Oval hosted the match last weekend. Pines was in control for most of the afternoon – the Pythons led by 29 points at three-quarter-time. Frankston YCW showed plenty of fight in the final quarter, and managed to sneak ahead in the dying stages of the game. A late goal saw the Pythons steal back the lead and grab the win. Frankston YCW succumbed to a heartbreaking 10.8 (68) to 10.12 (72) defeat. Cameron Olden was excellent for Pines, booting five…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEFOR the third week running, Langwarrin have pulled off a great escape. It has not been a month for the weak-hearted at Langwarrin. The Kangaroos had to come from behind again to beat Edithvale-Aspendale on Good Friday. Edithvale-Aspendale led at each break of play. Heading into the final term, Edi-Asp led by 11 points. In the final term, Langwarrin managed to sneak into the lead. They held on for a famous two-point win 12.12 (84) to 13.8 (86). Corey Slefendorfas, Max Poulios, Joel Bateman, Brodie Tibballs, and Mitchell Cuthbert were Langwarrin’s best. Harrison Money contributed three vital…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES pipped Mt Eliza to the post on Saturday in an epic match. Mt Eliza led by seven points at the first break, before Pines grabbed back the lead. At the final break, the Pythons led the Redlegs by just a goal. The final quarter proved just as close as the rest of the game. Some wayward kicking nearly cost Pines the game, but they managed to hold on for a 14.11 (95) to 13.14 (92) win. Beau Hendry booted three goals for Pines. Khyal Jacobson, Russell Gabriel, Guy Hendry, and Kayden Sharp also had great games…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO have landed an early blow in season 2025, opening their account with a win over the reigning premiers.Mt Eliza hosted Sorrento at Emil Madsen Reserve. After a tight opening quarter, Sorrento opened up a two goal lead at the half-time break.Sorrento dominated the second half. They kicked eight goals and restricted the Redlegs to just two.The Redlegs ended up falling to a 41 point defeat – 6.17 (53) to 14.10 (94). James Hallahan, Chad Harris, Aaron Breman, Bailey Holt, and Ryan Clarke were named the Sharks’ best.Langwarrin pulled off a brilliant final-quarter comeback to beat Pines…

PROVINCIALPINES has won the 2025 MPCA Provincial Grand Final.Pines played Red Hill in the two-day season decider at Eric Bell Reserve. Pines batted on Saturday, and put a formidable total on the scoreboard.At the end of the day, Pines finished up at 8/243. Pat Jackson scored a half-century for the home side, while Nick Christides and Billy Humphrey also made strong contributions.Brent Martin was a workhorse for Red Hill on Saturday. He bowled 40 overs, taking 3/113.Red Hill were in huge trouble from the get-go on Sunday. Opener Luke Jackson was dismissed for a duck, and his batting partner Riley…