By Frank Seal
It was week one of the 2022 AFLOE finals series and fourth placed Olinda faced fifth placed Monbulk in an Elimination Final at Kalora Park.
The Hawks had claimed a momentous finals berth the previous week after knocking Pakenham out of the race.
The Bloods needed to respond after a huge wakeup call against Wandin. On a sunny day with a two-goal breeze favouring the Gippsland end at Narre Warren, the stage was set for a bruising battle to decide the fate of two neighbouring rivals.
Though the conditions and ground suited Olinda’s style of play, Monbulk – kicking with the wind – jumped out of the gates and took advantage, gaining early territory from the midfield.
The Hawk forwards were positioned deep inside 50, preventing any easy run off half-back from Olinda and forcing the backs to be accountable. The defenders held up well led by Dale Rohrmann and Matt Scharenberg, but Monbulk capitalised on their chances, posting 3.1 for the quarter. Late in the term, Olinda started winning territory of their own, getting the forwards involved. Matt Rosier was leading the way with his pressure and attack on the ball. While the Bloods only managed 0.4 in the quarter, five forward 50 tackles were a huge positive.
The tide started to turn in the second, as Olinda got on top in the midfield. Pete Lucas was both reliable with his defensive accountability and damaging with his offensive craft. The star recruit was involved in countless clearances, allowing the forwards to go to work. With assistance from the breeze, Tyler Belloni set the tone, with the first goal of the quarter. Percy Hyett then flew for a strong contested mark and nailed a big set shot. With a boost in confidence the Bloods were hungry for more goals. Pete Lucas finished off his clearance work by adding a classy major. With Nick Keegan and Lachy Taylor also hitting the scoreboard, the Bloods entered the half time break with a 36-28 lead and a great deal of confidence.
The entire second half was a brutal display of contested footy with neither team taking a backward step. Every player locked down in a war of attrition. Olinda captain Kelsey Currie led the way. Nick Keegan was damaging with his outside run and elite ball use. But Monbulk remained gallant in defence and were gaining dangerous territory, giving themselves plenty of opportunities. Isaac Tonkin, continuing his fine form, rebounded numerous forward 50 entries and consistently provided a contest. His U/17 teammate, Ned Ford was reliable as ever; composed with the ball and intense without it. His effort was rewarded with a goal late in the quarter which kept the Bloods in the lead (45 v 40) at three-quarter time.
The final term saw both teams throw the kitchen sink at each other. Numerous players courageously stood up for their sides. The Bloods had the territory throughout, locking the ball inside 50 and forcing countless stoppages. Matt Scharenberg went to another level in defence, taking contested intercept grabs including an heroic Riewoldt-esque mark back with the flight. A huge set shot outside 50 from Lachy Taylor and another goal to Matt Rosier gave the Bloods a 13-point lead late in the quarter. Proud as ever, Monbulk responded with two crunch time goals to make it a 1-point game at the 32-minute mark. A 50 meter off the ground clearance by Monbulk vice-captain Pat Barge sent the ball deep inside the Hawks attacking zone. The Bloods defenders held fast for one final minute of brutal contested footy, before the long-awaited sound of the siren ensured an Olinda victory. A famous win. A semi-final against Woori Yallock is the next step on the Olinda journey.
In the reserves Qualifying Final, Olinda was defeated by Narre Warren (70-22).
