By Armin Richter
FOOTBALL
Seniors
Monbulk returned to the Don Road Reserve in Healesville for the first time since 2021, the last time these clubs were in the same division. On that occasion Monbulk won but it was their only win there since 2011. The teams met in bright sunny and calm conditions.
The match was to be a complete contrast for the Hawks compared to their performance last week at Upwey. Despite having a good running team, Monbulk was unable to use the wide open spaces as uncharacteristic skill errors and failing to hold their structure both for offence and defence caused frequent turnovers. Healesville were able to shut down the Hawk’s forward thrusts with cohesive teamwork and effective rebounding. Monbulk have seven days to regroup before facing Woori Yallock at home.
Monbulk 7.10.52 def by Healesville 11.11.77
Best: Kai Linde, Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft, Joshua Spencer, Ben Smith, Riley Finlay
Goals: Josh Wentworth 2, Ben Hughson 1, Declan Browne 1, Bailey Rutherford 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, Ben Smith 1
Reserves
After a scrappy opening 10 minutes, Monbulk got going with four quick goals, including two from an exuberant captain Coby Passingham. Monbulk were never seriously challenged after that although inaccurate kicking for goal cost them a more comprehensive victory.
Monbulk 10.19.79 def Healesville 3.3.21
Best: Brodie Emmett, Hamish Emmett, Ryan Gilbert, Dylan Werts, Coby Passingham, Johnathon Hevern
Goals: Coby Passingham 2, Hamish Emmett 2, Dylan Werts 2, Johnathon Hevern 1, Harry Fleming 1, Josh Hill 1, Aaron Smith 1
Under 18s
The Monbulk Unders mustered 18 players to the Blood’s 24 and the limited rotations on a large ground would tell over the course of the match. Healesville started with six goals straight in the opening term and maintained their accuracy, which would make any comeback hard. Monbulk were able to fight out the game and were more effective in the second half.
Monbulk 3.5.23 def by Healesville 15.2.92
Best: Cooper Palmer, William Hughson, Finn Horsfall, Jed Fraser, Cohen Mitchell, Lucas Ibarra
Goals: Ryder Koelewyn 1, Finn Horsfall 1, Ben Pratt 1
NETBALL
A Grade
Only two matches were played as Healesville don’t field C or D Grade teams this year. Healesville came into the A Grade game with a 1-3 record, compared to the Hawks 3-1, but they had been competitive and a good contest was expected. Monbulk had an edge in class and increased the margin at every change to come out with a strong win from an even performance across the court.
Monbulk 74 def Healesville 44
Best: Peri Reid, Stephanie Ferguson, Paige Whitworth
Goals: Peri Reid 55, Stephanie Ferguson 19
B Grade
With Monbulk on top of the ladder undefeated and Healesville winless after a series of heavy defeats, the Hawks were looking to make a statement by maintaining consistent effort over the four quarters. The result was that they posted a new club record score for B Grade with 94 goals, eclipsing a 91-6 scoreline against Olinda-Ferny Creek back in 2008, a premiership year. The goal tally also matches the A Grade record for any club match, which the A Grade Hawks achieved against Gembrook-Cockatoo in 2017. The squad was rotated as every player contributed on the day.
Monbulk 94 def Healesville 10
Best: Jorja Wragg, Alice McCormick, Asha Jones
Goals: Jorja Wragg, Dayna Walsham, Olivia Crook
Under 17s
The Under 17s travelled to Woori Yallock to take on the Tigers but found the task beyond them on this occasion. The two teams will meet again next week where the Hawks will look to open their account for the year.
Monbulk 15 def by Woori Yallock 33
Best: Shiloh Koole, Maddison Bedet
Goals: Kaitlyn Summers 10, Maddison Bedet 5
Under 15s
It was the turn of Monbulk Gold to have the bye while Monbulk Maroon met ROC Blue at Officer. The two unbeaten teams had also met in the Grand Final last year, although ROC have a largely new team while Monbulk Maroon had five players from the 2024 decider. ROC were too accomplished and claimed the top spot. Both Under 15s will be at home this week for the first double header starting at 9.15. Under 15s Maroon Coach Alice McCormick was voted OEFNL Junior netball coach of the month.
Monbulk Maroon 16 def by ROC Blue 40
Best: Tully Caccia, Isla Stubbs, Stevie Mullinder
Goals: Isla Stubbs 7, Stella Dunstan 5, Jessica Verheyen 4
