EDFL: How Moonee Valley brought its 2025 to life

Moonee Valley looked down and out against St Albans but the Fog have sparked new life into their season with a key group winning major plaudits. See all the talking points from EDFL Division 1.

Moonee Valley’s Nicholas Robortella. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Round 6 might just be remembered as the game Moonee Valley’s season finally kicked into gear.

With their backs against the wall, Andrew Horne’s side was able to dig themselves out of a hole at crucial stages against premiership contender St Albans.

The Fog conceded a 35-point lead at the first break before trailing by just three points in the last quarter.

And when St Albans led by three goals in the last term, it look like Horne’s side would fall to a fifth straight defeat.

Instead they produced some of their best footy of the season to run out three-point winners.

It was Moonee Valley’s first win since the opening round, when they were awarded the points against Tullamarine, after the game was called off.

“It puts a lot of belief in what we’ve been working towards,” Horne said.

“We never deviated from the way we wanted to play, getting a win like that is going to do wonders for our confidence.”

Horne credited his midfield in leading the charge.

Nick Robortella was best afield, but it could have gone to anyone, as Luke Deny, Callum Clinnick, Ned Wilson and ruckman Bevan Newell fought tooth and nail.

“They just cracked in,” Horne said.

“We were able to get on top of stoppage and give our forwards an opportunity. The small forwards did an excellent job of crumbing and hitting the scoreboard.”

After a major off-season of change, where the list was turned over significantly, the Fog will be hopeful of closing the gap on the top sides.

“It’s about being consistent quarter-by-quarter,” Horne said.

“We’re going to get opportunities but we need to make the most of those.

“With a new coach and a new system, it was going to take time.

“Hopefully we can take a few more scalps.”

NEW LIFE TO TULLA’S SEASON

Tullamarine picked up its own critical win against one of the better sides, securing a 15-point win over finals contender Avondale Heights. The result moved the Demons two games clear of last placed Roxburgh Park in the early season fight to avoid relegation. Star recruit and former AFL player Shaun McKernan was dominant with five goals.

BOWKETT THE GOALKICKER, AGAIN?

West Coburg gun Liam Bowkett has been known for kicking goals up forward, but more recently he’s been a Team of the Year defender. In 2019, he kicked 43 goals in 16 games. He finished with four goals in the 37-point win over Craigieburn on the weekend as the Burgers showed why they can’t be discounted in the premiership race.

A PERFECT RETURN FOR SHARKS GUN

Recalled after one reserves game back this season, Jackson McMenamin showed why he is a key player for Hillside with four goals in a best on ground performance against Roxburgh Park. The Sharks came away with a four-point win as Nick Fluke and Jack Tarr also impressed.

CAREER DAY FOR GLEESON

Oak Park’s Tom Gleeson enjoyed a career best day in front of goal as his side recorded a big win over Taylors Lakes. Gleeson finished with five goals in a strong performance to already take his season tally to a career best. His previous best was six in 2021. It was a big day for the Roos who also handed debuts to Lachie Jinks and Dean Walsh – who had previous played at Romsey in 2023.