Monbulk was promoted to the Premier Division for 2022 after Covid ended the 2021 season with only half of the fixtures played and no premier announced. With Cranbourne (Southern) and Beaconsfield (Eastern) departing, Monbulk (minor premiers), Mt. Evelyn and Officer, the top three in Division 1, were placed in the higher division. Out of the seven teams that Monbulk fielded, four had qualified for the finals and if the Seniors could defeat Pakenham this would bring it to five in what would be considered a successful transition to the higher grade.
Monbulk started the day in sixth place, a game behind Pakenham, and the equation facing them was simple as any win would get the Hawks into the finals under the new tiebreaker rule, where teams level on points are ranked on their performance against each other. The Lions went into the match coming off a morale-boosting win over contenders Woori Yallock last week, but the Hawks at home are always a tough proposition.
As the game progressed, the Monbulk defence stood tall to frustrate any Pakenham forward thrusts and apart from a slight fightback in the third term from the Lions, the Hawks were in control for most of the afternoon. The midfielders were linking up well and providing options with their run and carry style while constantly applying pressure to any Pakenham player in possession. A dominant 5-goal to 1 last term brought the crowd out in full voice. The final result was a convincing 48-point win as the Hawks surged into the finals. Had the ladder been worked out on the previous percentage method the Hawks would also have qualified as they started the day a game and 7.6 per cent behind Pakenham but were level on wins and 1.2 per cent ahead when the siren sounded.
Monbulk 12.12.84 def Pakenham 5.6.36
Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Dylan Werts, Joel Wensley, Kai Linde, Steve Oates, Taylor Joyce
Goals: Taylor Joyce 3, Mackay Bateson 2, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Bailey Rutherford 2, Kai Linde 1, Glenn Strachan 1, Hayden Finlay 1
The Monbulk Reserves played their final match of the season. Depth has been a problem all year as it has been for about the last decade. The hard work of Coach Billie Hicken, who has been at the helm since 2017, cannot be underestimated as he worked the phone hard on a weekly basis just to be able to field a team. On the occasion of the final round, he had the luxury of a full side with emergencies. Showing what is possible on a more level playing field, the last-placed Monbulk side gave fourth-ranked Pakenham a huge scare. The Hawks kicked the first three goals and, even when the Lions returned fire, Monbulk responded to hit the front again in the third term before eventually succumbing by 18 points.
Monbulk 6.3.39 def by Pakenham 8.9.57
Best: Ryan Gilbert, Lewis Oliver, Josh Rak, Justin Woodcock, Brandon Shambrooke, Steven Shankly
Goals: Hamish Emmett 2, Matthew James 1, Ryan Gilbert 1, Brandon Shambrooke 1, Steven Shankly 1
The Monbulk Under 19s knew that a win over sixth-placed Pakenham would assure them of the double chance. Everything about Monbulk’s play was impressive, except for kicking goals where too many easy shots were not converted, particularly after quarter time when 4.13 was added for the final three terms. Monbulk’s run off the half-back line and their switch to find players in better positions meant that they were able to control most of the match.
Monbulk 8.19.67 def Pakenham 1.1.7
Best: Max Thornton, Jed Noar, Harry Fleming, Tully Ford, Liam Lourey, Coby Passingham
Goals: Jed Noar 3, Tully Ford 2, Liam Lourey 2, Riley Finlay 1
