The Olinda senior men’s side entered the day’s play sitting at 1-2 for the season and looking for a much-needed victory in the Pride Round clash against their traditional rival, Monbulk. Stepping up into the Premier Division of Outer East has meant that Monbulk was in the same competition as Olinda-Ferny Creek for the first time since 2018. These two clubs first clashed 114 years ago when Olinda formed in 1908 and, since records were regularly recorded in 1921, this was the 133rd meeting of these teams.
It was a wet, chilly afternoon but a great opportunity for the Olinda team to assert itself.
Coach Brendan Donovan predicted, pregame, that win or lose this would be a memorable match. Fifteen-year-old Ned Ford lined up for his senior debut having just covered 11kms in his school match for Yarra Valley Grammar earlier in the day. Monbulk veteran Steven Oates ran out for his 250th match, a remarkable achievement considering a broken neck in 2006 looked set to end his career, although ultimately still kept him out for two and a half years before returning to the field.
The first quarter began as expected – a tight scrap from the outset – with neither team achieving clean clearances and contested marks nearly impossible in the wet conditions. The game was shaping up to be a ground-level battle. Kicking uphill in the first term, Olinda performed well, and with goals to Horner, Taylor and Keegan they led by seven points at quarter-time.
The second term was similarly scrappy with numerous kicks off the ground and fumbles drawing heat from the opposition. Monbulk gained the upper hand and hit the scoreboard with two majors to nil for the quarter and a one-goal lead at halftime. Despite the small deficit, the mood in the Olinda rooms was upbeat. Opting not to dwell on the negatives like illness during the week, injuries, the conditions and one player having to depart at halftime to attend a wedding, each player showed intent to contribute in their role and not let the game slip from their grasp as in previous weeks.
The Bloods responded in the third term. With defender Paddy Seymour switching to the ruck, Pat Rosier and Tyler Belloni were repeatedly clean out of the middle, winning the ball, breaking tackles, and belting the ball inside 50 where forwards like Cam Horner were gaining the ascendancy. The back six were combining well, not letting the ball slide past, and giving their opponent no leg-rope. Matt Rosier imposed himself on the game in this quarter; dangerous at ground-level and deadly out the back of marking contests. A spectacular left foot snap running toward the pocket gave him his 4th goal for the quarter. Another major to Lachie Taylor put the Bloods well and truly in the box seat. This brilliant third-quarter performance gave the Bloods a 19-point lead at the final break.
The first half of the final term was even with Olinda players showing intent and sticking to their roles. Mid-way through the quarter each team had kicked a goal and the Bloods were looking to hang on. Monbulk managed another one and then – with calls of “blitz” from the coach’s box – the Hawks attempted to throw the kitchen sink at Olinda. Monbulk clawed its way back, making up the three goal deficit. At the 29 minute mark, it was a three-point game and Olinda was facing an all too familiar situation. A late inside 50 had Olinda’s hearts in mouths but the resulting shot at goal was saved by full-back Daniel Toma in the goal square.
A smart kick-out – long and wide to the boundary – soaked up the final seconds and the sweet sound of the siren saw the Bloods two points clear of their fierce rival and gallant opponent Monbulk.
Monbulk 8.11.59 def by Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.7.61
Best: Harry Fleming, Dylan Werts, Glenn Strachan, Cameron Griffiths, Pat Barge, Joshua Spencer
Goals: Pat Barge 2, Steven Oates 1, Jonathon Hevern 1, Taylor Joyce 1, Glenn Strachan 1, Hayden Finlay 1, Joel Wensley 1
The Reserves are still an evolving combination who battle hard but have not been able to produce much in the way of results.
Monbulk 4.6.30 def by Olinda-Ferny Creek 14.7.91
Best: Thomas Trezise, Joshua Hill, Tyren Utting, Josh Rak, Justin Woodcock, Dylan Goldberg
Goals: Joshua Hill 1, Tyrone Vear 1, Dylan Goldberg 1, Sage Farmer 1
Monbulk and Olinda Under 19s fielded 14-a-side teams to accommodate the Bloods only having 15 players. For a while the different structure hampered the Hawks before their run and carry led to a convincing win.
Monbulk 13.11.89 def Olinda-Ferny Creek 1.6.12
Best: Riley Finlay, William Henderson, Ziggy Hatherley, Ben Hughson, Liam Lourey, Jayden Spencer
Goals: Tully Ford 3, Gary Ross 2, Patrick Snoxell 2, Jameson Wrigley 1, Hamish Strathairn 1, Jai Farmer 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, William Henderson 1, Riley Finlay 1
