Armin Richter
FOOTBALL
SENIORS
The forecast weekend arctic blast failed to materialise. Dark clouds gathered in the ranges but it remained a dry afternoon with sunny breaks, although somewhat slippery after overnight showers. Monbulk’s task this week would be to take on the reigning premiers at Clegg Road, a venue where they had not tasted success at since 2010.
Monbulk hit the scoreboard first with a couple of behinds before Wandin found the sticks with five successive goals by the 20 minute mark of the opening term. From that point on the match developed into a very even contest, neither side giving an inch. The Hawks scored two goals late in time on to bring the margin back to 19 points at the first change.
Joel Wensley dominated the ruck, ably backed by Campbell Evans, but Monbulk was unable to capitalise as the clearances were fairly even. Another two late goals in the second quarter by the Hawks brought the margin back to 13 points at the main break. Wandin always found a steadying goal every time that Monbulk challenged, with the margin hovering at 2-3 goals for the remainder of the match. The Bulldogs kicked a goal after the final siren to eventually finish 21 points ahead. The Hawk’s performance should give the team confidence in facing Olinda after the bye.
Monbulk 10.10.70 def by Wandin 13.13.91
Best: Joel Wensley, Aaron Hoare, Lochlan Beecroft, Campbell Evans, Hayden Finlay, Adam Banks
Goals: Josh Wentworth 3, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Johnathon Hevern 1, Pat Barge 1, Hayden Finlay 1, Adam Banks 1, Lachlan Smith 1
RESERVES
The Monbulk Reserves were generally outplayed by Wandin in regards to teamwork and system as they struggled to get the ball into dangerous areas in the opening three quarters. The Hawks certainly competed though and never gave up, scoring four goals to two in the final term to go down by 20 points in the end.
Monbulk 6.2.38 def by Wandin 8.10.58
Best: Nicholas Taylor, Noah Rutherford, Thijs Koelewyn, Hamish Emmett, Harry Fleming, Ben Smith
Goals: Ben Smith 3, Nicholas Taylor 1, Dale Ross 1, Jesse Dodd 1
WOMEN’S
The Monbulk Women’s have had a finals position fairly well assured in recent weeks while Wandin desperately needed a win to try and challenge Emerald for fourth spot. The Bulldogs played with more purpose in the first half with Monbulk being somewhat off their usual form. A collarbone injury to ruck Brielle Tipping, who was only just returning after a stint out of the team, seemed to mark a turning point. Monbulk found their run and carry in the third quarter to score 3.2 to a solitary behind, turning a 5 point deficit into a 14 point lead. Wandin attacked hard in the final term but a long range goal by Grace Emmett, which bounced through, was enough to clinch a tight match.
Monbulk 6.3.38 def Wandin 5.6.36
Best: Yanessa Hancock-Wolfe, Shania Turner, Scarlett Henderson, Madeline Caarels, Maddison Dodd, Stacey Jolly
Goals: Scarlett Henderson 2, Nina D’Emilio 1, Madeline Vouvopoulos 1, Grace Emmett 1, Jade McCormick 1
NETBALL
A GRADE
Monbulk started the season with 2 wins, a draw and 3 losses but have become one of the form sides since Round 7, winning six straight as they travelled to Wandin to take on one of the premiership favourites. It was the irresistible force up against the immovable object. The Hawks played almost flawless netball to not only take a 3 goal lead into quarter time, but managed to extend it out to 10 goals near half time. The backs – Abbey, Georgia and Paige – in particular standing tall. Wandin fought back but were unable to prevent Monbulk notching their seventh successive, and best, win of the year. This was the second win in three years at this notorious venue. The Hawks remain equal third but are now just two points off second. The team was buoyed by the appearance of the ever positive Sophie Stubbs being courtside after her operation.
Monbulk 53 def Wandin 48
Best: Stephanie Ferguson , Abbey Whitaker, Georgia Himmelreich
Goals: Stephanie Ferguson 23, Peri Reid 19, Elly Stewart 11
B GRADE
This match was crucial for the Hawks as they sat outside the top 6 by just half a game, with Wandin being that team ahead of them. The game was tight throughout, and technical errors were frequent on both sides. The Hawks had a one goal lead at the final break before the Bulldogs finished with a 14-11 final term to snatch a thrilling win.
Monbulk 41 def by Wandin 43
Best: Elizabeth Cutting, Tiana Mancarella, Siobhan Munday
Goals: Jorja Wragg 24, Dayna Walsham 11, Chloe Schmidtke 6
C GRADE
Monbulk were sitting in sixth place but facing a Wandin side that had only lost once. There was nothing separating the sides in general play and Monbulk pushed their opponents to the end before coming up short by 6 goals.
Monbulk 31 def by Wandin 37
Best: Lisa Boyle, Jamie Sands, Sammi Kelly
Goals: Jamie Sands 20, Chloe Carmichael 7, Olivia Crook 4
D GRADE
The D Grade team had solid form behind them with three successive wins. The young Hawks were unable to match it with Wandin though until the last quarter, which they drew 8-8.
Monbulk 18 def by Wandin 38
Best: Zali Utting, Leah Hansby, Maddy Buckland
Goals: Hayley Donald 10, Maddy Buckland 7, Ella Flynn 1
UNDER 15s
After two byes the Under 15s returned and travelled to Officer to face the unbeaten ROC. Monbulk went down by 15 goals but have kept ROC to their two lowest scores so far for this season. Three of this team – Stevie Mullinder, Bridie McCormick and Maddison Calcagno – along with C Grade’s Kate Smith are also members of the Under 16s Girls football team.
Monbulk 13 def by ROC 28
Best: Maddison Calcagno, Stevie Mullinder, Isla Stubbs
Goals: Isla Stubbs 5, Isabelle Cross 5, Stella Dunstan 2, Lara Stenhouse 1
