FOOTBALL
Seniors
After two disappointing weeks and a mounting injury list, Monbulk were just hanging on to their spot in the top five. They needed a win to remain there but to do so would require a victory against the unbeaten Bulldogs on their Wandin North ground. Wandin had rarely been challenged in 2025 and their average winning margin for the season was 77 points. They had beaten the Hawks by 104 points earlier this year. On top of this Monbulk’s recent history against Wandin had not been great. Wandin had won their previous 20 encounters with the Hawks since 2013. The Hawks had not won at Wandin since Round 4 2010.
As Hatherley, Hughson, Wensley, Barge and Wall were unavailable the Reserves have been plundered in recent weeks with Hevern, Werts, Griffiths, Ross and Lachie Smith being rewarded for good form. Monbulk kicked the opening goal before Wandin resumed their usual programming and settled to score four of the next five to quarter time. In the second term the Hawks applied the clamps on Wandin’s running style with pressure and contested football. Monbulk hit the front on the half time siren as Josh Rak kicked accurately in what had been a four goal to one quarter.
It was to be another four goals to one third term as the miserly Hawk’s backline, lead by Savory and Sheppard, took 15 defensive intercept marks for the game and spoiled most other forward thrusts by Wandin. Campbell Evans dominated the ruck with his strength and positioning. With the opening two goals of the final quarter Monbulk had gotten out to a six goal advantage. The Bulldogs fought back as all good sides do but Monbulk held on for a well deserved 16 point win over a team that had been talked about as unbeatable. The result was given a write-up in the Sunday Herald-Sun. It is one of Monbulk’s greatest ever home and away wins and the best win over Wandin since the 1998 Grand Final.
Monbulk 12.10.82 def Wandin 9.12.66
Best: Robert Savory, Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft, Josh Wentworth, Campbell Evans, Adam Banks
Goals: Johnathon Hevern 3, Josh Wentworth 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Bailey Rutherford 1, Riley Finlay 1, Adam Banks 1, Joshua Spencer 1, Max Thornton 1, Joshua Rak 1
Reserves
The Reserves have lost half their players to the Seniors or injuries and cobbled together a team of 18 with 3 under 18s on the bench along with Chris Mitchell, who had previously retired in 2019 after 300 games. Wandin proved to be too good but the Hawks fought it out to the end scoring three of their goals in the final quarter.
Monbulk 4.6.30 def by Wandin 12.8.80
Best: Brodie Emmett, Charlie Barge, William Hughson, Jack Downard-Pengilly, Lewis Oliver, Aaron Smith
Goals: Brodie Emmett 2, Ben Smith 1, Jack Downard-Pengilly 1
Under 18s
This was a really entertaining clash for those that turned up early to witness it. The young Hawks, who only had 17 players, are steadily improving under the coaching of Chris Hughson. Wandin won the match when they scored six unanswered goals in the second quarter but for the remainder of this game Monbulk had the better of the play, scoring 8 goals to 5 for the other three quarters. The future looks bright as the Under 16s scored 41.20.266 against the Wandin B team on Sunday, which is possibly a club record in the juniors.
Monbulk 8.8.56 def by Wandin 11.13.79
Best: William Hughson, Finn Horsfall, Finley Ede, Myles Koelewyn, Ryder Koelewyn, Lawrence Spink
Goals: William Hughson 3, Finley Ede 1, Mitchell Clark 1, Charlie Seamer 1, Lawrence Spink 1, Finn Horsfall 1
NETBALL
A Grade
Wandin are one side that has troubled Monbulk in the past and the Hawks were looking forward to the challenge of playing a top side. By half time there was nothing separating the sides as they were tied 28-28. Wandin broke the shackles in the third quarter with 10 straight goals as their potent and tall goal shooter Emmalia Blake was unstoppable.
Monbulk 51 def by Wandin 69
Best: Stephanie Ferguson, Grace Scott-Thomas, Peri Reid
Goals: Peri Reid 40, Stephanie Ferguson 11
B Grade
Third placed Wandin were two games ahead of Monbulk in fourth spot and the teams put up a monumental fight. The Hawks edged ahead by a goal at the final change but were unable to hold on and went down narrowly.
Monbulk 50 def by Wandin 53
Best: Elizabeth Cutting, Georgia Wilson, Jorja Wragg
Goals: Jorja Wragg 48, Dayna Walsham 2
C Grade
Wandin are one of the three leading teams in this division and proved to be too accomplished for the Hawks who tried hard. Sammi Kelly celebrated her 50th game.
Monbulk 22 def by Wandin 45
Best: Hayley Donald, Sammi Kelly, Maddy Buckland
Goals: Maddy Buckland 15, Chloe Carmichael 7
D Grade
The D Grade Hawks continue their push towards finals with an enthralling clash with Wandin. It was goal for goal with a number of lead changes. Monbulk came from behind in the last term to snatch a great win. It was only the second time D Grade had ever beaten Wandin, having previously done so in 2013 when it was known as B Reserve.
Monbulk 30 def Wandin 28
Best: Simone Beattie, Jamie Sands, Caitlin Utting
Goals: Jamie Sands 21, Macy Giling 9
Under 17s
The Hawks are still searching for their first win and put up a good showing against Wandin.
Monbulk 21 def by Wandin 28
Best: Maddison Bedet, Kaitlyn Summers, Isla Stubbs
Goals: Ella Flynn 12, Maddison Bedet 9
Under 15s
Monbulk Maroon played their ‘home’ match against ROC Blue at Wandin as well in a clash between third and first. The unbeaten ROC side put in an unstoppable performance on the day. Monbulk Gold had the bye.
Monbulk 15 def by ROC Blue 42
Best: Stella Dunstan, Tully Caccia, Isla Stubbs
Goals: Isla Stubbs 11, Jessica Verheyen 4
