FOOTBALL
Seniors
The Monbulk FNC spent Saturday and Sunday at Yarra Junction as the seven sides that qualified for finals played in Qualifying and Elimination Finals. All players wore blue armbands and had a minutes silence for the two senior constables that were tragically killed at Porepunkah last week.
The senior footballers took on Healesville with a strong squad and the knowledge that their contested game had stood up well as they had won six of their last seven home and away matches. Monbulk did most of the early attacking before captain Pat Barge went down with a broken leg. Pat had only just returned from a broken jaw and the club will rally around the popular skipper. When play resumed the Bloods kicked three goals and held a narrow advantage at quarter-time.
The Hawks controlled much of the possession and play for the next two quarters but inaccuracy was costing them a larger lead, scoring 5.8 in the second term. At one stage the scores were 6.11 to 6.0 as Healesville made the most of their limited scoring opportunities. Monbulk ground out a well earned win and will face Woori Yallock next, a team they have not met in the finals since 2009. Monbulk’s last finals win over Woori Yallock was 53 years ago in the 1972 Preliminary Final, and the Hawks are looking forward to the challenge.
Monbulk 13.19.97 def Healesville 10.4.64
Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Lachlan Sheppard, Kai Linde, Dylan Werts, Robert Savory, Bailey Rutherford
Goals: Josh Wentworth 3, Adam Banks 3, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Johnathon Hevern 2, Declan Browne 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, Josh Spencer 1
Reserves
Monbulk finished two games and over 50% below Wandin on the ladder but were fielding their strongest team in a while and were anticipating a good performance. At the start it was all the Hawks and by the early part of the third term had opened up a 37 point lead (58-21). From there they virtually stopped as the Bulldogs clawed their way back into the match. A late goal by Wandin saw them hit the front for the first time as Monbulk lost the unloseable match. The Reserves were the only Monbulk team eliminated from the finals on the weekend.
Monbulk 10.9.69 def by Wandin 11.6.72
Best: Mitchell Veit, Ryan Gilbert, Lewis Oliver, Mitchell Dekker, Thomas Berman, Ben Smith
Goals: Harry Fleming 2, Charlie Barge 2, Ben Smith 1, Tim Rickard 1, Josh Rak 1, Lachlan Smith 1, Dylan Goldberg 1, Steven Shankly 1
NETBALL
A Grade
The sister of Stephanie Ferguson happened to get married on the same day as this match, which robbed Monbulk of their captain, as well as their coach Christina Puopolo, who is their mother. In addition 2023’s Best & Fairest, Jamie Clark, is pregnant and has now ceased playing. Both Monbulk and Wandin are skillful sides and the match was going to be decided in the ability to finish. Wandin’s Emmalia Blake is a huge weapon due to her height. Hawk’s goal keeper Paige Whitworth played an excellent defensive match on her, winning plenty of contests, but the weight of entries eventually told against her when her opponent had an approximate 30cm height advantage, and probably double that in reach. The Bulldogs were too good on the day with better transition between defence and attack and deserved their win. Monbulk will regroup for next week’s semi-final against Emerald.
Monbulk 47 def by Wandin 65
Best: Sophie Stubbs, Peri Reid, Paige Whitworth
Goals: Peri Reid 39, Sophie Stubbs 8
B Grade
This match was played at the same time as the seniors football, on the adjoining courts, and the screams of excitement and encouragement drew a large crowd across to witness an absolute thriller. Woori Yallock held sway for most of the game. The Tigers were leading by 7 goals at half time and were still 3 goals up at three-quarter time. The final quarter was at fever pitch as Monbulk drew level and eventually edged ahead to snatch the game in the dying minutes after an 18-13 last quarter.
Monbulk 61 def Woori Yallock 59
Best: Jorja Wragg, Tiana Mancarella, Alice McCormick
Goals: Jorja Wragg 50, Olivia Crook 7, Dayna Walsham 4
D Grade
Monbulk met ROC in consecutive weeks and were looking to repeat last week’s heroics in knocking off the former ladder leaders. The Hawks got off to a good start with accurate goal shooting and two important intercepts by goal keeper Katrina Wragg which set up an early break of 3-4 goals. In a high standard match Monbulk were able to extend their advantage in the second half and will now meet Mt. Evelyn for a spot in the Grand Final.
Monbulk 27 def ROC 20
Best: Tara Donald, Katrina Wragg, Macy Giling
Under 15s
Monbulk Maroon started strongly against Pakenham Maroon and quickly got out to a three goal advantage which was maintained for three quarters. On a cold and wet court with a heavy downpour in the second term the young Hawks showed real grit and determination. They had not beaten the Lions during the home and away season but turned the tables when a 5-1 last quarter gave them well earned win. The Hawks will meet the unbeaten ROC Blue for a spot in the Grand Final and will remember their unexpected win in similar circumstances last season.
Monbulk Maroon 23 def Pakenham Maroon 16
Best: Bridie McCormick, Isla Stubbs, Stevie Mullinder
Goals: Isla Stubbs 10, Jessica Verheyen 7, Stella Dunstan 6
Monbulk Gold played in the Elimination Final on Sunday and retained their unbeaten run against ROC White, claiming their scalp for a fourth time this year. The girls set the tone in an opening term onslaught and didn’t relent until the final siren.
Monbulk Gold 33 def ROC White 19
Best: Ria Greenaway, Eden Murphy, Daphne Mitchell
Goals: Eden Murphy 23, Amelia Magarry 10
