Monbulk’s seniors would have a tough weekend as they came up against Narre Warren, who are on top of the ladder in all grades for both football and netball, except for the Reserves, where they are second. The women’s footballers faced Healesville, who are also on top.
The day was cool and overcast but close to ideal as far as playing conditions were concerned, with the strong wind on Friday having dried out the ground. Monbulk applied a strong pressure game on their more fancied rivals, and for most of the day this resulted in the match being very evenly poised. The only thing that separated the two sides was effective use of the ball when it entered the forward fifty. The Hawks can take plenty out of this match as they head to Wandin next Saturday.
Monbulk 7.9.51 def by Narre Warren 13.10.88
Best: Glenn Strachan, Lachlan Sheppard, Thomas Taylor, Lochlan Beecroft, Bailey Rutherford, Ben Smith
Goals: Glenn Strachan 2, Ziggy Hatherley 2, Brodie Emmett 1, Harry Fleming 1, William Mutschler 1
The Narre Warren seconds are a well drilled team with good outside runners who are able to create chains of possessions towards goal. Around the packs and in the contested balls Monbulk more than held their own and it was just a lack of polish that resulted in the margin being greater than it should have been.
Monbulk 4.7.31 def by Narre Warren 12.14.86
Best: Clayton Spooner, Lewis Oliver, Matthew James, Beau James, Benjamin Magnay, Shane Williams
Goals: Shane Williams 2, Clayton Spooner 1, Michael Langworthy 1
The Monbulk Under 19s were again undermanned, having 16 players compared to Narre Warren’s 23 and the match was played at 16 a side, with Narre having seven on the bench. In the first quarter the Magpies looked to take the ascendency with three goals to nil in what looked like it could turn into a blowout. After quarter time the Hawks dug deep, attacked the contests hard and controlled the tempo when they could. It was a gutsy performance by the players who showed pride in their team and their guernsey. For the last three quarters it was an even match with both sides scoring a goal each.
Monbulk 1.3.9 def by Narre Warren 4.10.34
Best: Nick Taylor, Coby Passingham, William Henderson, Tait Colee, Nicholas Heron, Casper Griffiths
Goal: Noah Rutherford 1
Monbulk celebrated Maddy Dodd becoming the first player to reach 50 games with the senior club since an Under 18s team was formed in 2018, which became the nucleus of the senior team formed in 2019. Monbulk met Healesville for the second time in three weeksand although they again faced a hefty deficit on the scoreboard, the endeavour and enthusiasm was consistent throughout.
Monbulk 0.0.0 def by Healesville 11.16.82
Best: Genna Seamer, Maddison Dodd, Josie Ford, Indy Bakker, Kathryn Gow, Matilda McDermott
