Football
Seniors
With a tight race to grab a finals place, Monbulk knew they had to win one of their final two remaining matches. Mt. Evelyn was the only club that the Hawks had not defeated since Matt Cunningham took over as coach last year, with two matches being lost after the final siren. Another close encounter was anticipated at Monbulk’s Moores Road Reserve in ideal conditions. Centre-half back Rob Savory played his 50th game with the club.
The Rovers grabbed an early lead and some stray shots by Monbulk meant that they faced a one to two goal deficit for most of the first half. Veteran ruck/forward Johnathon Hevern then kicked a superb goal at right angles whilst running towards the boundary and also nailed a long shot which had the Hawks gain the lead in the third quarter. In a tough, gritty and pressured match both sides played great contested football. Mt. Evelyn rallied again in the last term but Monbulk was able to hang on for a thrilling win that secured their place in the finals for the first time since 2022.
Monbulk 5.10.40 def Mt. Evelyn 5.7.37
Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Lachlan Sheppard, Campbell Evans, Adam Banks, Robert Savory, Joshua Spencer
Goals: Johnathon Hevern 2, Adam Banks 1, Campbell Evans 1, Lachlan Sheppard 1
Reserves
Fifth placed Monbulk had secured their finals berth last week and faced Mt. Evelyn, who are in third. For three quarters there was nothing between the teams as the Hawks found themselves 7 points in arrears at the last change. The Rovers got off the leash in the fourth quarter to eventually double Monbulk’s score. Hamish Emmett played his 100th Senior/Reserves game for the club.
Monbulk 5.4.34 def by Mt. Evelyn 10.8.68
Best: Ben Smith, Hamish Emmett, Will Henderson, Thomas Berman, Tim Rickard, Lewis Oliver
Goals: Harry Fleming 1, Tait Colee 1, Ben Smith 1, Jacob Defina 1, Steven Shankly 1
Under 18s
The Under 18s were missing their Under 16 contingent who had the day off before their Grand Final on Sunday. Being short on numbers Mt. Evelyn lent the Hawks three players for the game. The Monbulk Under 16s won back-to-back premierships in a sign that things should improve next season.
Monbulk 2.5.17 def by Mt. Evelyn 19.15.129
Best: Ben Smith, Hamish Emmett, Will Henderson, Thomas Berman, Tim Rickard, Lewis Oliver
Goals: Quentin Rousseau 1, Mt. Evelyn fill-in 1
Netball
A Grade
Having worked their way to third on the ladder, Monbulk faced their nemesis, and ladder leaders, Mt. Evelyn. Although the Hawks played good netball, the Rovers’ were at the top of their game. Their defence again restricted scoring while their attack managed to put up the largest tally that Monbulk have conceded since Round 1 2018, against Olinda-Ferny Creek (79). The Hawks will fine tune their game against ROC this week as they prepare for finals.
Monbulk 50 def by Mt. Evelyn 76
Best: Rihanna Kelly, Stephanie Ferguson, Paige Whitworth
Goals: Peri Reid 36, Stephanie Ferguson 14
B Grade
It was fourth versus second in B Grade and, apart from the third quarter which Mt. Evelyn won 16-7, it was an evenly contested match. The Hawks will finish the home and away season against ladder leaders ROC this week before embarking on their finals journey.
Monbulk 42 def by Mt. Evelyn 56
Best: Georgia Wilson, Siobhan Munday, Tiana Mancarella
Goals: Jorja Wragg 28, Dayna Walsham 11, Olivia Crook 3
C Grade
It was first against last as the undefeated Rovers played the Hawks. Class beat effort as Monbulk battled hard to the final siren. Laura Del Biondo made her 50th appearance for the club.
Monbulk 16 def by Mt. Evelyn 51
Best: Hayley Donald, Chloe Schmidtke, Sammi Kelly
Goals: Chloe Carmichael 8, Maddy Buckland 7, Grace Sands 1
D Grade
With second playing third in a probable preview of the Qualifying Final in a fortnight it was Mt. Evelyn that gained an early advantage by four goals. Monbulk fought back to hit the front with just minutes remaining before the Rovers shot the last three goals.
Monbulk 25 def by Mt. Evelyn 27
Best: Simone Beattie, Katrina Wragg, Tara Donald
Goals: Jamie Sands 21, Isabelle Cross 4
Under 17s
The girls started a little slowly but improved as the match progressed. They drew the last quarter 9-9 against the finals bound Mt. Evelyn team.
Monbulk 18 def by Mt. Evelyn 46
Best: Maddison Bedet, Isabelle Cross, Bridie McCormick
Goals: Isabelle Cross 7, Maddison Bedet 6, Ella Flynn 5
Under 15s
The two Monbulk teams faced each other and the margin was similar to previous encounters as Maroon again prevailed by 10 goals. There is a lot of talent coming through these ranks which will benefit the club in years to come. Both sides have qualified for the finals.
Monbulk Maroon 35 def Monbulk Gold 25
Best Maroon: Isla Stubbs, Jessica Verheyen, Bridie McCormick
Best Gold: Amelia Magarry, Daphne Mitchell, Ruby Irwin
Goals Maroon: Isla Stubbs 18, Jessica Verheyen 11, Stella Dunstan 6
Goals Gold: Amelia Magarry 14, Eden Murphy 11
