Seniors
Monbulk need to win their final three matches to have any hope of reaching the finals, and that journey began with Olinda-Ferny Creek at home on Saturday. Historically Monbulk had a good record against their neighbours, but recently they had not tasted success against the Bloods since 2015 and had lost their last 11 consecutive encounters. They also lost key players Strachan and Wensley from their narrow loss at Mount Evelyn last week.
Olinda looked good in the early stages to post the first three goals of the game while kicking uphill in overcast conditions. As it started to drizzle the Hawks fought their way back to trail by eight points at the first change. In a free flowing second term Monbulk piled on six goals in the rain to get out to a handy 18-point lead before Olinda steadied with two goals just before half time. Monbulk came out in the second half to apply constant pressure, which broke down Olinda’s game plan. The Hawks took control of the match and started to see reward for effort as they came in at three quarter-time with a four-goal break. The intensity didn’t wane in the last term and the ferocious attack on the ball and ball carrier eventuated in a well deserved win by 38 points. The win broke the recent Olinda hoodoo and now creates a critical encounter with Pakenham next week, where a win would likely put the Hawks into fifth place and a loss would end the finals dream.
Monbulk 16.7.103 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 10.5.65
Best: Thomas Taylor, Lochlan Beecroft, Lachlan Sheppard, William Henderson, Johnathon Hevern, Max Thornton
Goals: Thomas Taylor 4, Mackay Bateson 3, Hamish Emmett 2, Lachlan Sheppard 2, Josh Wentworth 1, Ryan Gilbert 1, Harry Fleming 1, William Mutschler 1, Max Thornton 1
Reserves
Monbulk’s Reserves needed a win to get their season back on track after a shock performance at Mount Evelyn. The Hawks allowed Olinda to set up their game style and structure too often and then let them break far too many tackles to allow for any pressure to be placed on them. Monbulk didn’t lack in effort, as the players went in hard, but they often found themselves protecting territory which didn’t constrict Olinda’s game plan. The eventual 18-point loss gives the Hawks an uphill battle to make finals as they have now slipped to sixth.
Monbulk 4.5.29 def by Olinda-Ferny Creek 7.5.47
Best: Shane Williams, Steve Oates, Joshua Iacuone, Ryan Pentreath, Clayton Spooner, Aaron Smith
Goals: Michael Langworthy 2, Kallee Sas 1, Shaun Wiering 1
Under 19s
Mount Evelyn challenged Monbulk early but then the Hawks showed some great skills, teamwork, composure and determination to control the match for the rest of the morning. The Rovers’ defence tried hard however the constant forward entries began to tell on the scoreboard as the Hawks shared the goals around. Monbulk are well entrenched in the top five and have a bye next week before playing Seville in the final round.
Monbulk 11.13.79 def Mount Evelyn 3.4.22
Best: Nick Taylor, Noah Rutherford, Lachlan Smith, Nicholas Heron, Jacob Bateson, Jack Downard-Pengilly
Goals: Nicholas Heron 3, Nick Taylor 1, Charlie Barge 1, Noah Rutherford 1, Mackenzie Rouget 1, Thijs Koelewyn 1, Timothy Rickard 1, Jacob Bateson 1, Lachlan Smith 1
