Mount Evelyn FNC – 2021 Season in Review

Mount Evelyn Football Netball Club had a fantastic season in 2021, with on-field success combining well with strong resources off-field allowing the club to operate in a sustainable position throughout the covid period.

The family oriented and engaging environment that exists at the Rovers was on show throughout the year as the club grabbed hold of the opportunities available to get together for training and game day action.

Club president Ray Fellows was very proud with his club’s year overall and was especially pleased with how people reengaged with each other after a year of no community sport.

“The connection in getting back together and the comradery was fantastic after being off for so long off,” he said.

“The coaches were fantastic in keeping everyone together, we had a lot of success this year so it made it easy for everyone to enjoy the year.”

The men and women’s football team were leaders in their individual competitions, with the seniors and reserves finishing second and first on their respective ladders while the women had a dominant season, winning 10 games to be undefeated at years end, and secure a grand final berth with a semi-final win over Beaconsfield.

“We thought we were a chance to win a few flags this year, so there were some opportunities missed but we are not alone,” Fellows explained.

Some of the best players from a men’s football perspective consisted of Daimon Kift, Callum Urquhart and Michael Gibbons, all of whom featured in the Division One team of the year.

Isobel Urquhart, Sophia Zappia, Kiara Simons, Mackenzie Adams and Georgia Ploegsma were the standouts from the women’s team and also featured in the league team of the year.

The netball department at the Rovers also had a handy season, winning 17 games across all four grades to be a solid squad throughout the year.

Jacqui Black, Georgia Marsh and Gabby Bingley were some of the standout players across the squad while Jessica Hoskin took out the D Grade Best & Fairest Award.

As the covid pandemic took its toll on community sport, the committee and volunteer group at Mount Evelyn rose to the challenges presented by lockdowns and playing restrictions which provided a very difficult set of circumstances.

Additionally, the Rovers placed a huge emphasis on communication and engaging with its community during the difficult periods that the season presented by staying connected with everyone at the club.

“The general committee are fantastic are an awesome group of workers,” Fellows said.

“Our executive committee are also a great group of people and the hardest workers I’ve ever seen at the club.

“Everyone had a role to play, and they all did it wonderfully.”

Fellows wished to thank all players, coaches, and members within the club for their efforts during what was a tough year but was met with great success on the playing arena.

“I wish to thank all our coaches for keeping the playing group together,” he appreciated.

“Additionally, our sponsors have been brilliant and we have really appreciated their support in 2021.”

FOOTBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Hallam & Bayswater Truck Centres Division One	2nd	8	2	–
Coates Division One Reserves	1st	8	2	–
Box Hill Institute U19 Division One	6th	3	7	–
Kärcher Women’s Division One	1st	10	0	–
Bendigo Bank Veterans	2nd	4	2	–
NETBALL	LADDER POSITION	WINS	LOSSES	DRAWS
Kärcher Division One A Grade	5th	4	6	–
Kärcher Division One B Grade	4th	6	4	–
Kärcher Division One C Grade	6th	2	7	–
Kärcher Division One D Grade	4th	5	4	1