Woori Yallock FNC – 2021 Season in Review

Woori Yallock Football Netball Club struggled for form at the commencement of the new season, but were rapidly improving to be a better outfit before the COVID interrupted year took its toll.

Taking to the field and the court after an 18-month layoff, the Tigers put in a solid effort across its football and netball departments to provide some joy across the club.

The seniors finished in sixth on the ladder with a 4-4 record, with their best game being against Pakenham when they came from 15 points down at half time to finish as 16-point winners.

“We had a draw against Cranbourne and our last two games were impressive,” said club president Robert Thompson.

“One improvement I noticed this year was we are getting used to playing on the bigger grounds and closing the gap to some of the stronger clubs.

“We are gradually getting there.”

The Monkhorst brothers consisting of Ben, Ryley and Zac tried hard and put in some terrific performances throughout the year, while other players who featured as Woori Yallock’s best included Michael Batten and Kane Thompson.

Young guns Liam O’Dea and Marcello Pisano also impressed as under 19 aged players to frequently play in the senior side and make huge contributions, which is a sign of the future.

In the netball ranks, the A grade team had good talent and they had a productive season to win five games and finish in sixth.

The highlights throughout the year were stunning wins against Cranbourne in Round One and a one-point victory over Beaconsfield after returning from the first COVID interruption in Round Eight.

Mia Sudomirski and playing coach Sarah Hogan were the standout players for the Tigers, with both featuring in the league team of the year.

Regarding the way in which the season panned out after an 18-month absence from playing football and netball, it was a tough set of circumstances to manage for all involved in community sport.

However, the Tigers and the culture that lies within it is an essential part of a small town where the club represents a big part of who they are.

As such, the ability to resume games and get people back again was important not only for the community, but the mental health and wellbeing of everyone associated with the club.

“On and off the field, it has been sensational the way in which the volunteers have stuck together because it is not only the players, but the community needs the games to play as well for its own spirit,” Thompson explained.

“It’s such a big part of the community in a small town and the ability to be able to get out there and play again was fantastic.”

Thompson thanked everyone within the club and the sponsors for their efforts in what was an up and down year but is already looking forward to the new season.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the players, coaches, community, volunteers and sponsors for all their assistance this year to get the most of what we could from an interrupted season,” Thompson said.

“Without them, the club wouldn’t be able to function as well as it does but now it’s full steam ahead for the 2022 season.”

FOOTBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Totally WorkWear Berwick & Knoxfield Premier Division	6th	4	4	1
Coates Premier Division Reserves	8th	1	7	1
Kärcher Women’s Division Two	6th	0	9	–
NETBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Kärcher Division Two A Grade	6th	5	4	–
Kärcher Division Two B Grade	8th	1	8	–
Kärcher Division Two C Grade	9th	0	8	1
Kärcher Division Two D Grade	9th	1	8	–