Monbulk Season Preview

Men’s Football

Monbulk had a serviceable year, winning eight of their 16 games, finishing 5^th and losing by just one point in the first round of finals to Olinda Ferny Creek.

Taylor Joyce kicked 37 goals and Glenn Strachan managed 30, however their forward line would want more solid contributors.

They weren’t one of the higher scoring teams, finishing 6^th for points for (approx. 77). However, their team defence was strong, conceding the third least points per game (approx. 72).

Notably they ranked second in clearances at 43.2 (behind Premiers Narre Warren), first in forward 50 tackles with 13, second in hitouts with 51.1 and 1^st in ground ball gets.

In 2022 they were ranked first for both forward 50 tackles (13 per game) and ground ball gets (132.8) and second for both clearances (43.2 per game)

Apart from beating Woori Yallock in Round 5 and losing to Upwey Tecoma in Round 16, they beat the teams below them and lost to the teams above them (on the final ladder).

They were close to not making finals last year with Pakenham right on their heels.

If they continue to rank highly in a few important stats again in 2023, they could record a better win-loss ratio, especially if they can hit the scoreboard more often.

Monbulk are certainly in the mix for finals again.

 

Women’s Football

Monbulk are looking at backing up their 2022 season with a strong form after winning the Conference 2 Premiership.

They managed to exact revenge on Belgrave by one goal, following a bad loss at their hands in the first round of finals (9-37)

They didn’t manage to beat any Conference 1 teams, however they had a strong form against fellow Conference 2 teams, boasting a 4-2 record.

They have plenty of talent around the ground with Kathryn Gow (CHF), Molly Horne and Maddison Dodd all acknowledged for their great seasons, with a place in Team of the Year.

Of the Conference 2 teams, they scored the second most and conceded the second least. If they can replicate this or improve further throughout the H&A season, they should be in for another strong year.

 

Netball

Monbulk enjoyed a reasonably strong year on the court which saw them finish 4^th with 11 wins, a draw and 6 losses. This had them one spot ahead of Wandin, the team that took them down in the first week of finals.

In 2023 they will be looking to go a step or two further and should have the confidence to do so, given the fact they beat ROC (3^rd) twice and drew with Olinda Ferny Creek (Premiers).

They will be looking to score well again this season after averaging 45 goals per game last year, which was greatly helped by Stephanie Puopolo’s shooting with 496 goals.

Monbulk have a well-rounded team with eight players appearing amongst the best-on-court at least twice each.

They should have a fair amount of depth, given their B Grade team had a strong season, making the Preliminary Final.

If Monbulk can beat a few top sides and hold off the teams below them, they will be right in contention in 2023.

 

Written by Jordan Peeler