MPD PENNO Vs Inner West

MPD -R4 25 Apr 2026 Sat - 13:10 pm - Picken Oval
G B Score PENNO 22 9 141 Inner West 5 8 38					G B QT ST 6 0 36 36 3 3 21 21					G B QT ST 3 3 21 57 0 4 4 25					G B QT ST 5 1 31 88 2 0 12 37					G B QT ST 8 5 53 141 0 1 1 38
Best Players Nick Hey Mitchell Blow Oliver Williams Josh Stern Charlie Allison Angus Lee

On a significant Anzac Day stage, we took on Inner West in our annual fixture at Croydon Park and delivered a performance that honoured the occasion with both discipline and intent, running out 103-point winners after a dominant final quarter.
The contest was hard-fought early, with Inner West bringing strong pressure around the contest. Our ability to absorb that pressure, particularly through the first half, was critical in setting the game up. A key pillar of that was Mitchell Blow, who was outstanding in a stop-gap role at centre half back. Tasked with containing Ben Zoppo, Blow’s discipline and competitiveness ensured we maintained our defensive integrity and prevented Inner West from generating sustained scoring chains.
After half time, we were able to reset tactically and elevate our execution. The shift in composure and ball use was evident, and it culminated in a devastating final quarter where we piled on 8 goals to none, breaking the game wide open and underlining our ability to put sides away.
Leading the charge was Nick Hey, who produced a best-on-ground performance with a commanding 9-goal haul. His work rate, positioning, and finishing were elite, earning him the Anzac Day Medal, presented by Inner West coach Brent Staker, as well as recognition as Player’s Player.
Across the ground, there were strong contributors in all lines:
Josh Stern hit the scoreboard with 3 goals, providing energy and presence in the forward half.
Oscar Irwin added 3 goals of his own, continuing to impact aerially and at ground level.
Damian Ballard set the tone early with 2 first-quarter goals, lighting the fuse for our forward momentum.
Xavier Russell and Angus Lee both finished with 2 goals, highlighting our ability to generate multiple scoring avenues.
Our midfield and defensive connection was equally influential:
Charlie Allison battled tirelessly in the ruck, finishing with 59 hit outs to give our midfield first use.
Cooper Lee was prolific, gathering a match-high 28 disposals.
Oliver “Wombat” Williams provided relentless drive off half back, consistently launching our transition game.
In total, we had six multiple goal scorers, reinforcing the balance and unpredictability of our forward line.
While the scoreboard reflects a comprehensive result, the foundation was built on resilience, adaptability, and a collective commitment to playing our way. To do that on ANZAC Day, in a traditional fixture against Inner West, made it all the more meaningful.
We now turn our attention to this Saturday, returning to Mike Kenny Oval for our season launch and player auction as we take on UNSW. We encourage all supporters to get down and be part of what promises to be a fantastic day for the club both on and off the field.