By Parker McKenzie
Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club will play in the second highest tier of Victorian women’s football next year after achieving promotion on the final day of the 2022 season.
After seeing off a spirited Mazenod Football Club 4-3 in the team’s last game of the season on Sunday 28 August, Monbulk finished second in the Women’s State League 1 South-East competition, winning promotion alongside first-placed Ringwood City.
Monbulk Rangers coach Aaron Jones said the promotion was a testament to the hard work of the players, volunteers and coaching staff involved in the team.
“I’m lost for words in terms of how much it means to everyone, it’s pretty surreal,” he said.
“It was euphoric for the players on that day. To see them grow throughout the season and have an achievement like that together as a team, that’s the reason I coach.”
After conceding first and equalising through Gabby Simpson before halftime, Monbulk took the lead after Simpson scored a second soon after returning to the field from the break. A mistake at the back led to Mazenod levelling the scores at 2-2 from a corner kick, leaving Monbulk’s promotion hopes on a knife’s edge.
Undeterred, Simpson completed her hattrick with her 22nd goal of the season to give Monbulk the lead, before Rebekah Kelly scored what would ultimately be the winner. Mazenod clawed a goal back before the final whistle, however, it wasn’t enough to deny Monbulk the result and promotion.
Club president Beau Newman said everyone was incredibly proud of the team and what they managed to achieve throughout the season.
“They are a shining light throughout the club and the best example of giving homegrown players the opportunity to show their talent,” he said.
“It’s not just an achievement for the club but for the town as well to be recognized as being a part of the second-highest level of football for women in Victoria.”
The result placed Monbulk on 38 points after the 18-game season, a single point ahead of third-placed Glen Waverley SC.
Jones said achieving promotion with Monbulk was the highlight of his young coaching career.
“We’ve gotten this result because the club has found a good balance between being a competitive and a community club,” he said.
“Having that level of competitiveness and marrying the two together, when you’re in the thick of it, it really does make the difference.”
Monbulk previously played in the Victorian Premier League Women’s in 2011 but was quickly relegated back to the state leagues.
Jones said while the players enjoy a well-earned break between seasons, he is already planning ahead to ensure Monbulk performs at the required level.
“It’s a big achievement to go up to the VWPL, but we don’t want to just go into a league just to make up numbers,” he said.
“I’d rather push for those heights than just try to stay there; we really want to be competitive again next year.”
