Football
Seniors
Overnight rain and morning drizzle left sodden goal squares and some damp patches but other than that most of the Monbulk ground was in good condition while the cool calm weather was close to ideal for playing. The Hawks began the match in scintillating form, kicking the first six goals in the opening 20 minutes of play. Will Henderson in particular has been a player who has taken his game to another level this year as a rebounding half back.

The Burras have been a competitive unit since returning to the top division this year and lifted their urgency from that point to create an even battle for the remainder of the game. The second quarter got a bit willing, with three cards handed out, but for the most part the game was played as a hard running pressure contest which gave the spectators value for money. Although Monbulk were able to hold Warburton at arms length it wasn’t until late in proceedings that they finally claimed the win. The result sees the Hawks reclaim fourth place, after having dropped to seventh last week, however only 1.35% separate them with Officer and Upwey-Tecoma in fifth and sixth.

Monbulk 15.9.99 def Warburton-Millgrove 10.12.72
Best: Joel Wensley, Will Henderson, Lachlan Sheppard, Thomas Berman, Mitchell Veit, Riley Finlay
Goals: Joel Wensley 4, Lochlan Beecroft 3, Josh Wentworth 2, Thomas Berman 2, Ben Hughson 1, Charlie Barge 1, Adam Banks 1, Joshua Dawson 1

Reserves
The Hawks had a 5.4 to 0.1 first quarter and their brilliant start was to ultimately be the difference between the two sides. Monbulk were unable to maintain that momentum but did produce many flashes of brilliance which yielded further goals as the match wore on. Their 27 point win keeps them in sixth place, half a game behind the resurgent Olinda.

Best: Hamish Emmett, Lewis Oliver, Johnathon Hevern, Matthew James, Abel Teese, Isaac Mullinder
Goals: Johnathon Hevern 3, Jacob Defina 2, Lachlan Smith 2, Callan Brinkman 1, Finn Horsfall 1, Gary Ross 1, Dale Ross 1

Under 18s
The Monbulk Under 18s played one of their best and most consistent matches of the year. Despite missing captain Will Hughson, who was playing seniors, and ruckman Ryder Koelewyn, along with having three Under 16s top up the team and no goals from their leading two goalkickers, Riley Broadbent and Finley Ede, it was an excellent four quarter effort. Monbulk ran out convincing 51 point winners.

Monbulk 12.11.83 def Warburton-Millgrove 5.2.32
Best: Thomas Hill, Eamon Dawson, Myles Koelewyn, Darcy Spry, Arley Gray, Isaac Mullinder
Goals: Darcy Spry 3, Eamon Dawson 2, Jed Fraser 2, Bailey McConchie 1, Mitchell Clark 1, Arley Gray 1, Charlie Seamer 1, Thomas Hill 1

Veterans
This competition is so even at the top that a win or loss could have huge ramifications. Ladder leaders Monbulk travelled to Officer for the final home and away match for the year. The Hawks needed to win convincingly to maintain percentage over the chasing pack. Monbulk had control of the game from the outset and cruised to a 56 point win which was ultimately enough to retain top spot with a percentage of 267. All top four teams were tied on 28 points and all had percentages of over 200. Monbulk will now face Olinda-Ferny Creek in the 1st Semi-Final at home on Friday August 7, with the winner to progress to the Grand Final. The Grand Final will also be played at Monbulk on Sunday August 23, along with the two Women’s Grand Finals.

Monbulk 8.9.57 def Officer 0.1.1
Best: Tim Wragg, Jared Major, Jarrett Anderson, Matt Talbot, Gregory Van Berkel, Grant George
Goals: Tim Wragg 2, Jarrett Anderson 1, Shaun Brooks 1, Michael Langworthy 1, Steven Nuutinen 1, Chris Mitchell 1, Gregory Van Berkel 1

Netball
A Grade
Warburton brought their aggressive contested game to Monbulk and it paid dividends for them with 13-8 opening term. The Hawks tried to fight back for the remainder of the match but were unable to make inroads. Monbulk remains in third place but has the top two teams coming up, with Mt. Evelyn and Wandin,  and a chasing pack closing in. Peri Reid is second in the goalshooting with 628 to date.

Monbulk 46 def by Warburton-Millgrove 52
Best: Grace Scott-Thomas, Peri Reid, Sophie Stubbs
Goals: Peri Reid 32, Chloe Baker 10, Jorja Wragg 2, Dayna Walsham 2

B Grade
Monbulk virtually secured their finals spot with a solid 14 goal win over the seventh placed Burras. The fourth placed reigning premiers are four games inside the Five and have a couple of finals like challenges in the next two weeks.

Monbulk 51 def Warburton-Millgrove 37
Best: Catherine Braniska, Elizabeth Cutting, Dayna Walsham
Goals: Chloe Baker 35; Elly Stewart 8, Dayna Walsham 8

C Grade
These girls have been gallant all year without receiving the rewards. On Saturday they notched their most impressive result when they drew with finals bound Warburton-Millgrove.

Monbulk 34 drew Warburton-Millgrove 34
Best: Maddy Buckland, Grace Sands, Laura Del Biondo
Goals: Maddy Buckland 25, Grace Sands 9

D Grade
A vital clash impacting finals chances was played in D Grade, where Monbulk in fifth place met Warburton who were a game behind. In a rain affected match Monbulk won a low scoring game to give them a crucial buffer over their opponents.

Monbulk 17 def Warburton-Millgrove 10
Best: Jamie Sands, Katrina Wragg, Caitlin Utting
Goals: Jamie Sands 14, Emiley Asling 2, Ella Flynn 1

Under 17s
Both Under 17s teams had fantastic wins in light drizzle at Monbulk. Monbulk Maroon stunned fourth placed ROC White, a team who had beaten them 29-14 earlier in the year, with a three goal win. The Gold side also remain in a challenge for a finals spot with a commanding 9 goal victory, set up in a 14-3 second quarter.

Monbulk Gold 32 def Warburton-Millgrove 23
Best: Kaitlyn Summers, Stevie Mullinder, Kaia Stewart
Goals: Kaitlyn Summers 26, Amelia Magarry 4, Ruby Dean 2

Monbulk Maroon 26 def ROC White 23
Best: Isla Stubbs, Shiloh Koole, Milla Puddy
Goals: Isla Stubbs 14, Ahliya Wragg 8, Jessica Verheyen 4

Under 15s
With the Gold team having the bye it was left to the sixth placed Maroon team to show their game against Wandin Red who were fourth. In a good match it was goal for goal until the last quarter when the Wandin side was able to edge ahead. Monbulk still have the three leading goalshooters in this division with Eden Murphy (Gold) 281, Isabelle Kos (Maroon) 240 and Amelia Magarry (Gold) 204 heading the list.

Monbulk Maroon 25 def by Wandin Red 29
Best: Hayden Brady, Isabelle Kos, Annabelle Flintoff
Goals: Isabelle Kos 25