Round 18 Summary ?

FOOTBALL ? ? ?
Seniors ?
Monbulk started the day in sixth place, a game behind Pakenham, and the equation facing them was simple as any win would get the Hawks into the finals under the new tie breaker rule, where teams level on points are ranked on their performance against each other. The Lions went into the match coming off a morale boosting win over contenders Woori Yallock last week, but the Hawks at home are always a tough proposition. Out of the seven teams that Monbulk field, four had qualified for the finals and if the Seniors could defeat Pakenham this would bring it to five in what would be considered a successful transition to the higher grade. 

As the game progressed, the Monbulk defence stood tall to frustrate any Pakenham forward thrusts and apart from a slight fightback in the third term from the Lions, the Hawks were in control for most of the afternoon. The midfielders were linking up well and providing options with their run and carry style while constantly applying pressure to any Pakenham player in possession. A dominant 5 goal to 1 last term brought the crowd out in full voice. The final result was a convincing 48 point win as the Hawks surged into the finals. Had the ladder been worked out on the previous percentage method the Hawks would also have qualified as they started the day a game and 7.6% behind Pakenham but were level on wins and 1.2% ahead when the siren sounded.

Monbulk 12.12.84 def Pakenham 5.6.36
Best: Lochlan Beecroft, Dylan Werts, Joel Wensley, Kai Linde, Steve Oates, Taylor Joyce
Goals: Taylor Joyce 3, Mackay Bateson 2, Lochlan Beecroft 2, Bailey Rutherford 2, Kai Linde 1, Glenn Strachan 1, Hayden Finlay 1

Reserves ?
The Monbulk Reserves played their final match of the season. Depth has been a problem all year, as it has been for about the last decade. The hard work of Coach Billie Hicken, who has been at the helm since 2017, cannot be underestimated as he worked the phone hard on a weekly basis just to be able to field a team. On the occasion of the final round he had the luxury of a full side with emergencies. Showing what is possible on a more level playing field, the last placed Monbulk side gave fourth ranked Pakenham a huge scare. The Hawks kicked the first three goals and, even when the Lions returned fire, Monbulk responded to hit the front again in the third term before eventually succumbing by 18 points.

Monbulk 6.3.39 def by Pakenham 8.9.57
Best: Ryan Gilbert, Lewis Oliver, Josh Rak, Justin Woodcock, Brandon Shambrooke, Steven Shankly
Goals: Hamish Emmett 2, Matthew James 1, Ryan Gilbert 1, Brandon Shambrooke 1, Steven Shankly 1

Under 19s ?
The Monbulk Under 19s knew that a win over sixth placed Pakenham would assure them of the double chance. Everything about Monbulk’s play was impressive, except for kicking goals where too many easy shots were not converted, particularly after quarter time when 4.13 was added for the final three terms. Monbulk’s run off the half back line and their switch to find players in better position meant that they were able to control most of the match.

Monbulk 8.19.67 def Pakenham 1.1.7
Best: Max Thornton, Jed Noar, Harry Fleming, Tully Ford, Liam Lourey, Coby Passingham
Goals: Jed Noar 3, Tully Ford 2, Liam Lourey 2, Riley Finlay 1

NETBALL ? ? ?
A Grade ?
Monbulk’s A Grade netballers had a chance to jump from fifth to third if results were to go their way. Playing Pakenham on the home courts, the Hawks were always in control with a pressured back court and they were then able to cut their way through the Lions’ defence in the midcourt and in the arc with a consistent regularity. The solid 15 goal win was not enough to snare a double chance as ROC, whom they had vanquished last week, caused an upset by becoming the first team to topple Narre Warren. Monbulk will be in an Elimination final next Sunday.

Monbulk 51 def Pakenham 36
Best: Stephanie Puopolo, Tiana Mancarella, Georgia Himmelreich
Goals: Stephanie Puopolo 34, Sophie Stubbs 17

B Grade ?
B Grade were already certain of a Qualifying Finals berth and were up against a Pakenham side who were only playing for pride. Monbulk established several leads of 4-5 goals only to be reeled back in by a tenacious Lions side. In the final term a string of Pakenham goals tied up the scores before Monbulk were able to sink the final two goals and emerge victorious by that margin. Monbulk finished the season in second place as they prepare for their finals assault.

Monbulk 40 def Pakenham 38
Best: Dayna Walsham, Alice McCormick, Iris de Wit
Goals: Iris de Wit 26, Olivia Crook 14

C Grade ?
The C Grade team finished up for the year going down to Pakenham by 21 goals. This young team has improved as the season has progressed and a number of promising players have shown signs of things to come for next year.

Monbulk 27 def by Pakenham 48
Best: Lisa Boyle, Brooke O’Loughlin, Courtney Witt
Goals: Lisa Boyle 17, Jamie Sands 10, Sammy Beecroft 1

Congratulations to our C grade netball and reserves teams who have finished up their year, we are very proud of you! ?
Next week our Under 19s, Senior Football, B Grade Netball and A Grade Netball heads into Round 1 of finals – locations and times to be released soon! Make sure you get there to support them! ? ? ?