By Armin Richter
FOOTBALL
Seniors
The return of Outer East football for 2025 was greeted by a large crowd gathering at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve for the round 1 fixture between the Hawks and Brookers. The match marked the 30th anniversary of the Ramage Family trophy that the clubs have competed for since 1995. Gembrook had been prominent in the off season, signing Robin Nahas (ex Richmond and North Melbourne) and Marley Williams (ex Collingwood and North Melbourne). They had also signed former Monbulk forward Ash Beck. Monbulk have a fairly similar list to that of last season, with recruit Ryan Burleigh from Heathmont being the only major addition.
The clash would be Brodie Emmett’s 150th senior grade appearance for the Hawks since 2011. Brodie had also previously played 89 junior matches since first appearing for the club 20 years ago in 2005. Monbulk also welcomed back Lachlan Sheppard who missed most of last season with injury.
The game was hotly contested in the opening term as the two sides tested each other. The Hawks began to control possession in the second term as they kicked to the top goals, but only held a 16 point lead at the long break after being astray in front of goals with a return of 3.8 for the second quarter. The Hawks looked sharper around the packs and continued to pressure Gembrook in the second half with great running and attacking football. It was only their finishing that prevented the win being greater. The final margin was only 38 points after having 34 scoring shots to 11.
Monbulk 10.24.84 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 7.4.46
Best: Ryan Burleigh, Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft, Josh Rak, Max Thornton, Riley Finlay
Goals: Joel Wensley 3, Ryan Burleigh 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Declan Browne 1, Brodie Emmett 1, Adam Banks 1, Josh Rak 1
Reserves
Monbulk had a good blend of youth and experience for their match against Gembrook. Former senior captain Johnathon Hevern has taken over the coaching while Matt James and Coby Passingham share the captaincy. It was pleasing to see the return of Bailey Rutherford and Joel Smith from knee injuries which had curtailed their 2024 campaigns. The Hawks took the ascendancy early to lead 45-7 by half time. They maintained their advantage in a more even second half to run out victors by 46 points against last season’s finalists.
Monbulk 12.6.78 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 5.2.32
Best: Josh Wentworth, Steven Shankly, Charlie Barge, Lachlan Smith, Tim Rickard, Coby Passingham
Goals: Lachlan Smith 3, Steven Shankly 3, Bailey Rutherford 2, Kieren Galloway 1, Johnathon Hevern 1, Thomas Berman 1, Ben Grimes 1
Under 18s
The Monbulk Senior Women’s team, who were the Division 2 premiers last year, have gone into recess for a year due to a lack of numbers. This has been offset by the reforming of the Under 18s for the first time since 2019. Between 2021 and 2023 the club fielded an Under 19s side. Club legend Chris Hughson is coaching this team, which is largely made up of the Under 16s premiership group that he coached in 2024. The team consists almost entirely of bottom aged players which were topped up with Under 16s from this year. Gembrook made a better start with a 21 point lead at the first change. After quarter time Monbulk not only matched their opponents around the ground but also made inroads on the scoreboard.
Monbulk 6.10.46 def by Gembrook-Cockatoo 9.5.59
Best: William Hughson, Eamon Dawson, Finn Horsfall, Charlie Seamer, Brock Downey, Myles Koelewyn
Goals: Charlie Seamer 3, Riley Broadbent 2, William Hughson 1
NETBALL
A Grade
Monbulk put on a clinic in their meeting with Gembrook. The Hawks had quick ball movement, pressure causing turnovers and a determination to put in a four quarter performance, and romped to a 65 goal win.
Monbulk 85 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 20
Best: Peri Reid, Paige Whitworth, Rihanna Kelly
Goals: Peri Reid 61, Stephanie Puopolo 24
B Grade
Monbulk’s B Grade side was also dominant in their match. The win was set up in the first half as they established a 38-10 lead. The Brookers fought out the game but were unable to make a dent into the difference on the scoreboard.
Monbulk 61 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 30
Best: Jorja Wragg, Asha Jones, Alice McCormick
Goals: Jorja Wragg 49, Dayna Walsham 10, Olivia Crook 2
C Grade
Gembrook got out to an early break in this encounter and led by 3-4 goals for most of the first three quarters. In the last term Monbulk fought back with a 10-7 scoreline which forced a draw between these evenly matched sides.
Monbulk 30 drew Gembrook-Cockatoo 30
Best: Sammi Kelly, Maddy Buckland, Hayley Donald
Goals: Maddy Buckland 21, Chloe Carmichael 9
D Grade
Monbulk’s D Grade team reformed last year after being in recess for 2022-23. This year they will have the assistance of more experienced players to help their progress. Tasha Selby (last season’s C Grade captain) will lead the team. Shayne Broekhof, Jamie Sands and Beth Sands will also add to the ability and depth of the group as they look to climb the ladder. The Hawks emerged with a solid 14 goal win.
Monbulk 35 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 21
Best: Macy Giling, Zali Utting, Beth Sands
Goals: Jamie Sands 20, Macy Giling 15
Under 17s
After coming close to forming a team last year, Monbulk will field an Under 17s team for the first time. Tom Hardwick is coaching the girls as they look to become a pathway side for juniors coming through the ranks. They came up against an experienced combination in the form of ROC White and fought out the match to the end.
Monbulk 15 def by ROC White 43
Best: Isabelle Cross, Shiloh Koole, Ella Flynn
Goals: Ella Flynn 7, Maddison Bedet 6, Kaitlyn Summers 2
Under 15s
This grade is starting to get a foothold in this competition. Only four clubs are fielding teams but three of those are putting two sides each on the court, with Monbulk being one of them. Monbulk Maroon and Monbulk Gold will represent the club over the course of the year.
Monbulk Maroon has Maddison, Stella, Bridie, Stevie and Isla from the team that made the Grand Final in 2024. They began their campaign against ROC White and were never troubled after a dominant 12-2 first quarter, although the game was evenly contested after that.
Monbulk Maroon 34 def ROC White 18
Best: Bridie McCormick, Isla Stubbs, Stella Dunstan
Goals: Stella Dunstan 17, Isla Stubbs 17
Monbulk Gold has been formed as an influx of young talent has given the club the luxury of fielding two sides. The young Hawks put up a great performance by setting up a five goal lead in the first quarter and then running away to a strong win in the last term, emerging winners by 9 goals.
Monbulk Gold 29 def Woori Yallock 20
Best: Ruby Irwin, Eden Murphy, Sophie Pringle
Goals: Eden Murphy 25, Amellia Magarry 3, Sophie Pringle 1
