FOOTBALL
Seniors
It was a big weekend at the Monbulk Football Netball Club with the Past Players and Officials Day celebrating the premierships of 1935 Seniors, 1975 Reserves, 1995 Veterans, 2005 Seniors and 2010 Reserves, the latter having been cancelled previously during Covid was a 15 year reunion. Monbulk have played more games against Upwey-Tecoma than any other opponent in their history, even though the Tigers only formed in 1946. For the second week in a row Monbulk faced an opponent who had requested to join the EFNL for 2026 and this may be the last time these traditional foes will meet.
The match was played under ideal cool, calm and overcast conditions and was fiercely contested by both sides, which restricted the scoring. The first half was goal for goal with Monbulk having their noses in front by the long break. In the third quarter the Tigers gradually worked their way to a 15 point lead. They maintained their advantage in the last and with just three minutes of game time remaining held a 17 point buffer and looked home.
The final exchanges had the Sherrin bouncing around like a pinball between contests as Monbulk kicked two quick goals. With just under a minute remaining the Hawks had one last chance. A clearing defensive kick by Upwey was brought to ground by Henderson on the lower wing and forced on to Thornton, who dished the ball off by hand to Griffiths running past. Cam Griffiths spotted an injured Lochie Beecroft, with a strapped thigh, and honoured his lead with a well weighted kick. Beecroft marked strongly about 30 metres out on a slight angle. As he was going back for his kick the siren sounded but with ice in his veins he coolly slotted through the winner and was duly swamped by teammates.
If this is to be the final ever clash between the Hawks and Tigers then they have gone out with a classic. After 162 meetings Monbulk won their 66th match, having also lost 94 and drawn 2.
Monbulk 9.9.63 def Upwey-Tecoma 9.8.62
Best: Lachlan Sheppard, Bailey Rutherford, Campbell Evans, Cameron Griffiths, Ryan Burleigh, Joshua Spencer
Goals: Bailey Rutherford 3, Johnathon Hevern 2, Lochlan Beecroft 1, Ziggy Hatherley 1, Joshua Spencer 1, Lachlan Smith 1
Reserves
The depleted Monbulk Reserves put up a strong performance against the unbeaten ladder leaders Upwey-Tecoma and, apart from the second quarter, matched the Tigers throughout. Team manager Liam Mackin pulled on the boots for the first time since 2013.
Monbulk 5.7.37 def by Upwey-Tecoma 8.7.55
Best: Liam Mackin, Brodie Emmett, Kieren Galloway, Thomas Berman, Charlie Barge, Jayden Spencer
Goals: Brodie Emmett 2, Harry Fleming 1, Tait Colee 1, Jayden Spencer 1
Under 18s
Monbulk continues to improve and were right in the game to three quarter time before the Tigers burst away in the final stages. The young Hawks are playing a good link up style of play that will benefit them next year. French exchange student Quentin Rousseau played his first ever game.
Monbulk 6.8.44 def by Upwey-Tecoma 12.20.92
Best: William Hughson, Zac Koelewyn, Myles Koelewyn, Jed Fraser, Eamon Dawson, Jack Ritchie
Goals: William Hughson 2, Ben Pratt 1, Cohen Mitchell 1, Zac Koelewyn 1, Oliver Ziaja 1
NETBALL
It was a huge day for the netballers as well with Ladies Day following the matches. The club celebrated 20 years of being a Football Netball Club as well as recognising the 101 year history of netball in Monbulk. On the courts it was also Monbulk’s most successful day ever with all seven sides claiming the four points on the same day, the Under 17s doing that via a bye.
A Grade
Monbulk continues to strive for a top three place as a finals spot is just about assured. They find themselves just half a game behind Emerald after a dominant display against Upwey.
Monbulk 67 def Upwey-Tecoma 33
Best: Paige Whitworth, Stephanie Ferguson, Rihanna Kelly
Goals: Peri Reid 44, Stephanie Ferguson 23
B Grade
After a series of narrow losses had seen the team drop to fourth, Monbulk rebounded with a powerful four quarter performance on Saturday. It was their second biggest win of the year as they had winners in all positions.
Monbulk 74 def Upwey-Tecoma 44
Best: Siobhan Munday, Jorja Wragg, Asha Jones
Goals: Jorja Wragg 54, Dayna Walsham 20
C Grade
Celebrating captain Brooke O’Loughlin’s 100th game, the team put in their best performance of the season. After an even first half the Hawks made a statement in the second half. The win lifted Monbulk off the bottom of the ladder after they had suffered many close losses in the earlier part of the year.
Monbulk 40 def Upwey-Tecoma 25
Best: Sammi Kelly, Maddy Buckland, Laura Del Biondo
Goals: Maddy Buckland 32, Grace Sands 5, Isabelle Cross 3
D Grade
Monbulk have established themselves as one of the leading clubs in this division, being in third place, only a game behind ladder leaders ROC. They were never seriously troubled against the Tigers but will face some tough opponents in the run home.
Under 15s
The Under 17s had the bye while the two Under 15s sides travelled for their matches. The Maroon team was at Woori Yallock and effectively doubled their opponents score every quarter.
Monbulk Maroon 40 def Woori Yallock 20
Best: Isla Stubbs, Stella Dunstan, Stevie Mullinder
Goals: Stella Dunstan 21, Isla Stubbs 13, Bridie McCormick 6
Monbulk Gold headed south to Pakenham and their resultant win puts them two games clear in fourth place.
Monbulk Gold 42 def Pakenham Gold 20
Best: Eden Murphy, Daphne Mitchell, Aaliah Riddiford
Goals: Eden Murphy 27, Amelia Magarry 14, Sophie Pringle 1
