FOOTBALL
Seniors
The final round of home and away matches by Monbulk’s football and netball teams was played on the weekend in ideal conditions. The Hawks travelled to Officer to take on the improved Kangaroos, who had beaten Woori Yallock, Healesville and Mt. Evelyn in recent times. The Hawks were assured of a finals place after winning five of their last six matches but wanted to continue their surge into September. The welcome return of captain Patty Barge from his broken jaw gave them additional fight around the packs. Ben Grimes played his first senior match in two years after a horror run with injuries.
The first half was an arm wrestle with Officer kicking a goal after the siren to hold a one point lead at the long break. Monbulk’s run and spread, along with clean disposal and unusual accuracy in front of goals, saw them control the second half. The Hawks kicked 8.2 to the Kangaroos 3 points to run out the match and record a solid win by 46 points. As usual the goals were spread around with their leading goal kicker for the year being midfielder Lochie Beecroft with 24. Josh Wentworth celebrated his 50th senior grade match with the club by securing three goals.
Monbulk 13.4.82 def Officer 5.6.36
Best: Max Thornton, Lochlan Beecroft, Campbell Evans, Johnathon Hevern, Lachlan Sheppard, Ben Grimes
Goals: Josh Wentworth 3, Johnathon Hevern 3, Kai Linde 1, Pat Barge 1, Bailey Rutherford 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, Adam Banks 1, Campbell Evans 1, Ben Grimes 1
Reserves
Fifth placed Monbulk took it right up to Officer, who are second, and were leading by two to three goals for much of the match, aided by Officer’s wayward kicking. The Kangaroos kicked three goals in the last term to grab a narrow seven point win. The return of Nic Wall from a depressed fracture of the cheek was offset by a knee injury to Hamish Emmett. Steven Shankly finished seventh in the goalkicking with 22 goals.
Monbulk 6.5.41 def by Officer 6.12.48
Best: Lewis Oliver, Harry Fleming, Tim Rickard, Kieren Galloway, Coby Passingham, Lachlan Smith
Goals: Kieren Galloway 2, Brodie Emmett 2, Hamish Emmett 1, Steven Shankly 1
Under 18s
The Under 18s finished their year with another loss but there are plenty of green shoots in this team to carry forward into next season. Being composed of entirely bottom aged players, predominantly from last year’s Under 16s premiership, they have improved significantly and will be better for the experience.
Monbulk 2.6.18 def by Officer 14.13.97
Best: Brock Downey, Eamon Dawson, Blake Nicholson, Ryder Koelewyn, Finn Horsfall, William Hughson
Goals: Ben Pratt 1, Finley Ede 1
NETBALL
A Grade
Monbulk put in a clinical performance to secure a strong win over ROC. For the fourth consecutive match against ROC, Monbulk have posted a new club record score against that team. They shot 80 goals on Saturday, surpassing the 78 from earlier this year, which are the two highest scores ROC have conceded this year. Monbulk lead the head to head count 8-2 with the Kangaroos since first meeting them in 2019. The win ensured that Monbulk retained the double chance. Peri Reid finished the year runner-up in the goal shooting on 799, 21 behind Wandin’s Emmalia Blake.
Monbulk 80 def ROC 45
Best: Nicole Macdowell, Paige Whitworth, Peri Reid
Goals: Peri Reid 60, Stephanie Ferguson 15, Sophie Stubbs 5
B Grade
It was an epic struggle between minor premiers ROC, who had lost just once this season, and fifth placed Monbulk. The Hawks had gained an early break, before the game swung towards the Kangaroos. A late rally by Monbulk just fell short of the desired result but knowing that they left some goals on the court through missed passes and shots that failed to score gives them the knowledge they can match it with anyone. Jorja Wragg’s League record score of 106 lasted just 3 weeks after ROC’s Kaelah O’Shannassy scored 115 against Healesville last week. Jorja finished runner up to Kaelah in the B Grade League shooting with 695 but has been rewarded for her excellent form and ability by making the Victorian 19 and Under squad of 25.
Monbulk 53 def by ROC 54
Best: Alice McCormick, Jorja Wragg, Elizabeth Cutting
Goals: Jorja Wragg 42, Dayna Walsham 6, Olivia Crook 5
C Grade
Earlier this year Monbulk lost the corresponding match by 22 goals however this week they matched their finals bound opponents much better to go down by 10 in the end.
Monbulk 23 def by ROC 33
Best: Courtney Witt, Grace Sands, Sammi Kelly
Goals: Grace Sands 11, Maddy Buckland 9, Chloe Carmichael 3
D Grade
The ladder leading ROC got off to a flyer and had a 7 goal lead by quarter time. Still trailing by six at half time, the Hawks dug deep to produce their best second half for the year and overran ROC to claim a meritorious 3 goal win. The result knocked the Kangaroos off the top of the ladder and they will again meet Monbulk in Saturday’s Qualifying Final. Jamie Sands finished third in the goal shooting with 320.
Monbulk 33 def ROC 30
Best: Beth Sands, Macy Giling, Simone Beattie
Goals: Jamie Sands 21, Macy Giling 12
Under 17
After a promising opening term the match against the ladder leaders slowly drifted out of reach as the Under 17s played their final game of the season.
Monbulk 15 def by ROC Blue 43
Best: Kaitlyn Summers, Chelsea Borkowski, Isabelle Cross
Goals: Isabelle Cross 8, Chelsea Borkowski 3, Ella Flynn 2, Mackenzie Bedet 1, Ella Longo 1
Under 15
Monbulk Maroon had a bye and slipped one spot on the ladder as a result, from second to third, but will still be in the Qualifying Final this week. Isla Stubbs finished third in the goal shooting with 222 and Stella Dunstan fifth with 162.
Monbulk Gold fine tuned their game against ROC White, who they will meet again this week in the Elimination Final. After a close first half the Hawks were too accomplished as they registered a comfortable 14 goal win. Eden Murphy has won the Under 15s goal shooting with 248 for the year with team mate Amelia Magarry 8th with 130.
Monbulk 35 def ROC White 21
Best: Sophie Pringle, Olivia Leonard, Eden Murphy
Goals: Eden Murphy 25, Amelia Magarry 10
Seven of Monbulk’s 10 teams have made the finals and all will play at Yarra Junction this Saturday for Qualifying Finals (A Grade, D Grade and Under 15 Maroon) and Sunday for Elimination Finals (Seniors, Reserves, B Grade, Under 15 Gold).
