DIVISION ONE
DIVISION One football will kick off on Saturday in the MPNFL, with a clash of the titans between Frankston YCW and Sorrento the headline act.
The two powerhouses will do battle at John Coburn Oval, with the Stonecats looking to make amends for a 2018 season that ended in unexpected disappointment. YCW were ravaged by injuries last season, and will welcome the chance to start afresh.
For Sorrento, they will be looking to bounce back after suffering the most devastating of losses against Pines in last year’s grand final. When the final sinal blew in the final game of the 2018 season, Sorrento were level with Pines. A point after the siren saw the Sharks lose the premiership.
Rarely lacking star power, Sorrento have brought in Sam Gibson for season 2019 after he racked up over 100 games for North Melbourne.
At Emil Madsen Reserve, Pines will kick off their premiership defence away from home in a tough clash against Mt Eliza. The Redlegs were impressive last season and fell to Sorrento in the preliminary final. They knocked Frankston YCW out of the finals after a big performance from full forward Jordan Moncrieff. Coach troy Shannon departed in the offseason, but they will still be looking to go one better and make the big dance.
Pines have signed Robin Nahas up for the 2019 season to help them in their quest to go back to back. The small forward plied his trade with Richmond and North Melbourne at AFL level.
Dromana will be making their division one debut after a big grand final win last season in the second division. The Tigers will take on Rosebud at Olympic Park, a big road trip for their first battle. Rosebud were poor in 2018, but have a big chance to start anew under the watchful eye of new coach Nick Jewell.
Edithvale-Aspendale kick off their 2019 campaign with a tough task against Mornington, who showed plenty of promise last season and will be looking to make finals this time around. Edi-Asp struggle badly in front of goal last season, which eventually cost them despite performing well in other parts of the ground.
At Greg Beck Oval Frankston Bombers will take on Bonbeach, who will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2018.
