Monbulk were at home against Gembrook-Cockatoo for the latest installment in the Ramage Family Trophy contest, which was first fought for in 1995, making this one of the longest running club trophy competitions in the Outer East. Monbulk were also their annual Life Member and Hall Of Fame lunch which saw two new life members inducted – Andrew Stockx and Colin James. The club wore black armbands after the recent passing of Glenn ‘Foxy’ Ferris, the 1976 club senior Best & Fairest, and Mark ‘Putter’ Mannens, president of the junior club 2008-2013.

Football
Seniors
After a recent lean run against some flag contenders, the Hawks were desperate to get their season back on track. Another loss would put them into relegation contention while a win would put finals back on the agenda.

Monbulk were ferocious in their attack on the ball and constantly pressuring the Brooker’s which resulted in many turnovers. Inaccuracy prevented the Hawks from making it a complete rout as they dominated the second half but only had a return of 8.16 to 3 behinds for that period, notching a valuable 95 point win. Riley Finlay played his 50th match.

Monbulk 16.23.119 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 3.6.24
Best: Nicholas Wall, Max Thornton, Will Henderson, Joshua Dawson, Riley Finlay, Thomas Berman
Goals: Lochlan Beecroft 2, Josh Wentworth 2, Max Thornton 2, Taylor Joyce 2, Caleb Quirk 2, Lachlan Smith 2, Joel Wensley 1, Nicholas Wall 1, Thomas Berman 1, Patrick Snoxell 1

Reserves
The Reserves also needed a win and were to be far too accomplished for their Gembrook opponents. With great run, composure and execution, the Hawks delivered a strong win which sees them return to the Top Five on percentage.

Monbulk 16.9.105 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 3.5.23
Best: Noah Rutherford, Finn Horsfall, Callan Brinkmann, Johnathon Hevern, Nicholas Heron, Dale Ross
Goals: Callan Brinkmann 3, Johnathon Hevern 2, Daniel Banks 2, Aaron Smith 2, Dale Ross 2, Steven Shankly 2, Noah Rutherford 1, Nicholas Heron 1, Jacob Defina 1

Under 18s
The depleted Under 18s battled hard but were comprehensively beaten by a bigger Gembrook side who were strong in the air. The Hawks had their chances but inaccuracy cost them any chance of applying scoreboard pressure as they only had one less scoring shot.

Monbulk 4.16.40 def by Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.10.76
Best: Thomas Hill, Riley Broadbent, Finley Ede, Isaac Mullinder, Ryder Koelewyn, Blake Nicholson
Goals: Riley Broadbent 2, Ryder Koelewyn 1, Darcy Spry 1

Veterans
Playing their third game in three weeks the veterans had a number of players out due to strains and aches. Facing a determined and well drilled Olinda team, who were dominant in contested marking, saw the Hawks register their first loss for the season. Monbulk dropped from second to fourth as they will now have two weeks to prepare for a big clash with Gembrook.

Monbulk 4.9.33 def by Olinda-Ferny Creek 8.6.54
Best: Sean Arnott, Shannon Koole, Dean White, John Hibgame, Jarrett Anderson, Michael Langworthy
Goals: Shannon Koole 2, Michael Langworthy 1, Jacob Wilcox 1

Netball
A Grade
The netballers were also looking for redemption and found it in the form of a 51 goal win against Gembrook. The match was set up with a 27-2 first quarter. Great ball movement combined with a potent goal shooter and a tight defence meant that Monbulk solidified third spot. Nicole Macdowell played a great game in her 150th appearance for the Hawks.

Monbulk 82 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 31
Best: Grace Scott-Thomas, Nicole Macdowell, Peri Reid
Goals: Peri Reid 66, Jorja Wragg 12, Chloe Baker 4

B Grade
Starting the day just a game ahead of their opponents, Monbulk went hard but were unable to shake Gembrook until a big 20-12 final term. Catherine Bransika made her club debut as Monbulk remain in the Five on percentage.

Monbulk 67 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 56
Best: Chloe Baker, Catherine Braniska, Elizabeth Cutting
Goals: Chloe Baker 50, Dayna Walsham 17

C Grade
Monbulk could have notched their first win for the year when they held a two shot lead at the final change however they were unable to maintain their advantage and went down narrowly.

Monbulk 27 def by Gembrook-Cockatoo 30
Best: Maddy Buckland, Candice Freeling, Laura Del Biondo
Goals: Maddy Buckland 23, Grace Sands 3, Macy Giling 1

D Grade
The Hawks recorded a good win over Gembrook by 20 goals. They remain in sixth place but just percentage off fourth behind Wandin and Warburton. Caitlin Utting played her 50th game for Monbulk.

Monbulk 38 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 18
Best: Ella Flynn, Emiley Asling, Michelle Steele
Goals: Jamie Sands 24, Ella Flynn 8, Emiley Asling 6

Under 17s
The two Monbulk teams had different fortunes on the day. Monbulk Gold controlled their match from quarter time as they cling on to fifth place. Bridie McCormick performed well in her 50th match for the club. Monbulk Maroon travelled to Mt. Evelyn to meet one of the flag favourites but came up short against the Rovers.

Monbulk Gold 35 def Gembrook-Cockatoo 11
Best: Stevie Mullinder, Kaia Stewart, Bridie McCormick
Goals: Summer Kuppers 22, Kaitlyn Summers 13

Monbulk Maroon 17 def by Mt. Evelyn 62
Best: Isla Stubbs, Shiloh Koole, Chelsea Ferguson
Goals: Chelseas Ferguson 14, Isla Stubbs 3

Under 15s
Monbulk Gold travelled to Wandin and maintained their unbeaten record. Their win allowed Monbulk Maroon to climb to fourth, ahead of Wandin Blue, after they proved to be good for ROC White.

Monbulk Gold 35 def Wandin Blue 18
Best: Daphne Mitchell, Ria Greenaway, Dina Tsetsos
Goals: Eden Murphy 23, Amelia Magarry 9, Ria Greenaway 3

Monbulk Maroon 41 def ROC White 15
Best: Jessica Verheyen, Isabelle Kos, Maeve Rademaker
Goals: Isabelle Kos 36, Jessica Verheyen 4, Grace Gaunt 1

Thankyou to Flectie photography for taking such amazing photos of our netballers this week too!