Seniors
Mt Evelyn controlled the first half and took in a 32 point lead at the long break, which could have been significantly more had they made the most of their opportunities. The Rovers runners and link up play had been dominant in most facets. Facing a daunting deficit the Hawks regrouped at half time and took a ‘never say die’ attitude into the second half. Monbulk harassed, pressured and chased their opponents which eventuated in the margin being reduced to 15 points by three-quarter time. Mt Evelyn still seemed in control of the match by the 18 minute mark but then the Hawks dug deep and kicked three late goals to snatch an unlikely win by 10 points as the home fans rejoiced. The win lifted Monbulk from eighth to sixth and keeps them in touch with the top five.
Monbulk 11.8.74 def Mt Evelyn 8.16.64
Best: Max Thornton, Glenn Strachan, Lochlan Beecroft, Brodie Emmett, Bailey Rutherford, Kai Linde
Goals: Max Thornton 3, Brodie Emmett 2, William Mutschler 2, Mackay Bateson 1, Dylan Werts 1, Josh Wentworth 1, Lochlan Sheppard 1
Reserves
The Monbulk Reserves got out to a 15 point lead just before quarter time when Mt Evelyn scored just on the siren. This lifted the Rovers and they kicked six of the next seven goals and held a comfortable lead of 20 points by the completion of the third term. The Hawks controlled the final quarter but were wasteful in front of goal as they eventually fell short by just five points despite having 16 scoring shots to 11. The Hawks remain third on the ladder but the chasing pack is closing in.
Monbulk 6.10.46 def by Mt Evelyn 8.3.51
Best: Cameron Griffiths, Josh Rak, Jesse Dodd, Aaron Smith, Hamish Emmett, Steven Shankly
Goals: Jesse Dodd 2, Steven Oates 1, Dean White 1, Thijs Koelewyn 1, Michael Langworthy 1
Under 19s
The Monbulk thirds were drawn to meet last years’ grand finalists, Upwey-Tecoma, and acquitted themselves well early as they scored a goal in the opening minutes and were out to an 11 point lead by the first change. From that point on Upwey began to reel in the Hawks and scores were tied by three-quarter time although the Tigers had their chances which were squandered. In the last quarter Upwey slotted four goals, to which the Hawks had no answer, and were 23 points up when the siren sounded.
Monbulk 5.3.33 def by Upwey Tecoma 8.8.56
Best: Noah Rutherford, Hamish Strathairn, Coby Passingham, Zeke Charlton, Riley Finlay, Tait Colee
Goals: Ash Bremner 1, Casper Griffiths 1, Zeke Charlton 1, Riley Finlay 1, Jai Farmer 1
Womens
Monbulk’s Women’s team has many players missing at present and coach Sascha Wolfe has virtually a second side of absent players on the reverse side of his team board. The last placed Hawks were up against the top side Healesville this week and the result went accordingly. This team is however not wallowing under the weight of the weekly results but maintains a positive outlook. The bench, and the vocal supporters that gather there, cheer on every kick, every mark, every smother and every tackle.
Monbulk 0.0.0 def by Healesville 17.22.124
Best: Shania Turner, Siobhan Munday, Genna Seamer, Madeline Caarels, Indy Bakker, Molly Alchin
