NEPEAN LEAGUE
With just six rounds before the end of the MPNFL Nepean Division season, former Devon Meadows coach and radio RPP commentator Brent Clinnick assesses the chances of the six sides still in the premiership hunt.
Here is Clinnick’s views on the clubs looking to claim the 2015 Premiership.
Rosebud FC
- Impressive.
- Really starting to come together
- Loved the balance between attack and defence versus Red Hill
- Midfield depth is strong, but just how much impact will the Rob Forest injury have?
- Also the Nick Jewell situation, what effect on the group will it have for the remainder of the year?
My tip: Premiers
Rye FC
- Setting the pace to half way point of season
- Bold recruiting in the off-season has been a major positive.
- Re-signing Josh Moore also a great move.
- Ability to hit scoreboard is a positive, but Rye places a lot of pressure on their forwards to kick a big score, which is a concern.
- Defensively a major concern.
- Conceding far too many points to the opposition, this will hurt come finals time.
- Still a major concern is player development and retention, especially at under 19 level
- How sustainable is high priced recruiting?
- These two elements are Coach Josh Moore and Rye’s biggest challenge moving forward.
My tip: Preliminary finalist
Somerville FC
- Up with Rye in terms of best influx of talent during offseason.
- Must remain focused and worry about the controllable.
- Beaten quality this year but fade-outs have proved costly at times.
- Their best is the best going around. Consistently bringing their best is a hurdle.
- Maturing more every week, must stay together next year.
- Huge upside, must remain united.
My tip: Runners up
Hastings FC
- Liked what I saw early in the season when beating Rye.
- Word out of Hastings is there is a tremendous spark around the place.
- Luke Clark is a star, but they get a very even contribution across the board.
- Dropped their last two against Rosebud and Sorrento.
- Losses against Somerville, Rosebud and Sorrento begs the question… Can they match it with the best in the comp?
- Off field, very well lead by President Phil Stone and his committee.
- All club success starts at committee level… “Attitude reflects leadership”
My tip: Makes finals but is a first week casualty
Red Hill FC
- Best is as good as any but worst is really poor.
- Must close this gap and find more consistency.
- Needs to stop opposition momentum quicker.
- Back to back wins against Devon and Frankston have them back on track after three consecutive losses.
- Defensively, fantastic. But unless they kick more goals I can’t see them playing finals footy.
- United club off field which is a huge positive.
My tip: Sixth
Sorrento FC
- When was the last time they lost four games in a Home and Away season?
- Best is still clearly good enough – pushed Rye and Somerville
- Great recent victory against Hastings.
- Getting Tapscott, Pitt and ruckman Williams back for the back half of the year is a massive positive. Mattison not far away either.
- Will the indifferent start ignite the fire in the second half of the season?
- I’m expecting a strong finish by the champs.
My tip: Will finish 4th and advance past Hastings first week of the finals but will be a second week casualty.
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PENINSULA LEAGUE
THERE are seven rounds left in the MPNFL Peninsula Division season.
In a very tight competition, it appears only the top four sides can win it.
RPP commentator and our very own Toe Punt looks at where the top clubs are at and predicts the final outcome.
Mt Eliza FC
9 wins / 2 losses
16.8 For – Rank 2
9.75 Against – Rank 3
- Lost two in three weeks to Pines and YCW.
- Heavy reliance on Justin Van Unen
- Need to find a way to keep Lockwood deep also
- Strength is running backs – Booth, Gill, Lombardozzi, D’Orazio
- Been blessed with injury
- Need to find a Plan B
My Tip: Can’t win the flag
Mornington FC
9 wins / 2 losses
15.5 For – Rank 4
9.57 Against – Rank 2
- Lost to Mt Eliza in Round 4 and Bonbeach three weeks ago
- Have struggled with injury – no continuity in side
- Depth has stood up – teenagers have been getting an opportunity
- Hard to score against, despite playing on a small deck
- Forward line unsettled
- Strong position to make a charge at the right time
- Rumours are rife that things are not rosy at the kennel
My Tip: Will play in the grand final
Pines FC
8 wins / 2 losses / 1 draw
15.6 For – Rank 3
13 Agst – Rank 6
- Losses have come at the hands of Mornington and YCW
- Draw against Bonbeach
- Good is amongst the best in the competition
- Have big weapons in Hendry brothers, Beau & Guy, Potts and Edwards
- Game plan that all have brought into and executing most of the time
- Need to beat either Mornington or YCW on the way home to be considered a genuine threat
My Tip: goes into second week of finals
YCW FC
7 wins / 3 losses
19.15 For – Rank 1
9 Agst – Rank 1
- The yardstick of the competition
- Collins, Barry, Eames all back for the second half. Ricky Morris the only one not available from best 22 at this stage.
- Great blend of youth and experience.
- Good body sizes across the team
- Still best defence and attack in the game, despite the losses.
- Hope they have been working on a Plan B also. Almost cost them a premiership. Langwarrin brained them in that shock loss.
My Tip: Premiers
Edi-Asp FC
5 wins / 4 losses / 1 draw
15 For – Rank 5
13 Agst – Rank 5
- Hasn’t beaten a side above it. Drew with Langwarrin after looking gone.
- On paper, is better than five wins
- Debuting a heap of kids, which is superb for the future.
- A-grade talent is good – Garth, O’Hanlon, Clark, Tim & Steve Mannix, Tagg
- Future is very, very bright
- Deserves to be fifth but won’t progress into the second week
My Tip: Loses to Pines in Elimination Final
First published in the Mornington News – 21 July 2015
