PENINSULA LEAGUE
MT Eliza full forward Justin Van Unen booted the five goals he needed against Pines on Saturday to notch his second century in the MPNFL.
‘JV’ first kicked 100 goals when he was playing for Rye in an Elimination Final and while he was still wearing the red and blue on Saturday, this time it was for the Redlegs.
Van Unen had the tough job of playing on the returning Beau Hendry on Saturday, making the feat even that much more impressive.
In 16 games, Van Unen has averaged almost six goals a game and he holds the key to the success of the Redlegs this season.
Despite the potency of Van Unen in attack, the strong midfield group and the experienced defence, many still say Mt Eliza and the rest of the teams in the Peninsula competition are playing for second place.
Many believe that Frankston YCW is by far the best team in the competition.
It’s hard to argue following their shaky start. Figures don’t lie and the Stonecats are head and shoulders better in the points for and against column.
Regardless, it’s not a theory that sits well with Mt Eliza coach John Georgiou.
“I think it’s very disrespectful to my players and the other teams in the competition to hear we are all playing for second prize,” said Georgiou.
“We didn’t play a great game against YCW the last time we played them but we’re really confident in the way we are playing.
“Mornington have been very good this season too and Pines and Edithvale-Aspendale have shown that they are more than capable on their day.
“I think the season is wide open for the team that brings its best on any given day. Frankston YCW has lost three games, so we know they can be beaten.
“They (YCW) are a strong team, we know that, but they can be beaten.”
Georgiou said there was no chance of a return for his star forward Scott Lockwood.
“Scott has been a great player for us for a long time and unfortunately his knee won’t allow him to get up for the rest of the year,” said Georgiou.
“We have made some adjustments in personnel but our structures are still the same. We’re very confident our best is still good enough,” he said.
Mt Eliza’s best was good enough on Saturday against Pines.
While the Pythons came storming home with a four goal to one last quarter, Mt Eliza was still able to record a pretty comfortable victory, 11.19 (85) to 11.11 (77).
Sam Gill, Karl Lombardozzi and Dave Barton dominated for the Redlegs.
Aaron Edwards booted four goals and Guy Hendry three for Pythons while Chris Guganovic and Shaun White also had a heap of the footy.
Mornington put the second last nail in Langwarrin’s coffin, smashing the Kangas 23.12 (150) to 8.8 (56).
Langwarrin has just one more week to go in what has been an extremely frustrating season.
They have been cursed with injuries again this season. They couldn’t afford one.
Their coach, Gavin Artico, has resigned and its best player Rikki Johnston has accepted the Dromana coaching job. It’s highly likely that Luke O’Neil and Liam Hogan will return to the Tigers with Johnston. Who could blame them.
The Langwarrin job is still a very good one for a coach that wants to invest three years.
The 2015 season has been a write-off.
Jackson Calder had a field day on Saturday with six goals for the Doggies while Daniel Moss and Warwick Miller brought their own Sherrin.
Shane Paterson, Rikki J and Jarrod Amalfi, who is rumoured to have signed at Frankston Bombers, were among the best for the blue and white.
Jarrod Garth booted eight goals for Edithvale-Aspendale as they torched Seaford on Saturday.
The Eagles booted 14 goals to five in the second half to win 24.15 (159) to 9.11 (65).
Brett O’Hanlon booted four goals and Mark Mullins and Matt Clark dominated.
Dean Williamson and Brendan Doyle were the best of the Tigers.
Frankston YCW opened up a 32-point quarter time lead against Bonbeach and finished with a solid 50-point win, 21.12 (138) to 13.10 (88).
Ryan Santon kicked four goals and Lew Roberts and Kyle Hutchison three while Brad Ulms and Byron Barry were dominant.
Jackson Casey and Jackson Sole were the best of the Sharks.
Chelsea was able to turn around a real form slump to get the job done against Karingal, 17.15 (117) to 12.9 (81).
Todd Gardiner was clearly the best player on the ground for the Gulls while Jayden Attard also worked pretty hard. Curtis Bywater played his best game for the club and Chris Charity booted six goals in only his fourth senior match.
Zac Clements, Brad Occhipinmti and Aaron Lees were the best of the Bulls.
First published in the Mornington News – 25 August 2015
