EFL 2022: Aaron Mullett kicks five as Mooroolbark defeats Croydon

Mooroolbark remains undefeated in the EFL’s Division 1 following a starring performance from an ex-AFL man on Saturday.

It’s another statement made by Mooroolbark – led by one of its stars.

The ladder-leading Mustangs proved too strong for current top-four outfit Croydon on Saturday, posting an 11.15 (81) to 6.10 (46) victory to stretch their unbeaten run to eight.

And it was Aaron Mullett leading the charge, finishing with five goals in a best afield performance.

The Mustangs celebrate on Saturday. Picture: Field of View Photography

The former AFL Kangaroo and Blue’s starring role was no surprise to Mooroolbark senior coach Bret Lavars, who lauded Mullett’s season to date.

“I think his season’s been phenomenal,” Lavars said.

“Sometimes he floats under the radar because he’s expected to have 30 (touches) or kick five before anyone will notice him, but the things he does for our group on and off field have been huge.”

The Mustangs bolted to a 42-point half-time lead after keeping the Blues goalless in the first term, before the hosts hit back after the main break.

Despite key names missing for Croydon led by goalkicker Riley Costantino, the significance of Saturday’s result wasn’t lost on Lavars.

“They’ve been one of the benchmarks in the last three or four years,” Lavars said.

“They had a couple unavailable, but I still thought the way we played our brand especially in that first half was really strong.

“Credit to Croydon, their second half was fantastic and they took it right up to us and matched us after half-time.”

Mustang Jai Jordon flies for a grab on Saturday. Picture: Field of View Photography

The coach also credited the work of defenders Trent Georgiou and Jon Egan alongside young gun Cayden Maki on the wing. Meanwhile Croydon’s Aden Thompson booted two majors as Tom Knox finished best.

And while Mooroolbark sits a game clear on top of the Division 1 ladder, there’s still room for improvement according to Lavars.

“We would like to work a little bit on how we defend,” he said.

“That’s an area we could look to tidy up – we’ve improved a hell of a lot with the way we attack … but now we’ve got to go back and work on our defence and keep some sides to some lower numbers on the scoreboard.”

Mooroolbark’s Austin Smith in action on Saturday. Picture: Field of View Photography

Lavars said there was no room for complacency amid his side’s 8-0 season – a message he was keen to drill into his group following Saturday’s match.

“I’m not saying we didn’t expect to be playing good footy, but you don’t think you’re going to go out and be 8-0,” Lavars said.

“We had a chat after the game – it’s about being humble when you win and it is about enjoying it for the moment that it is because the last two years have deflated everyone outside of footy.”

Mooroolbark hosts Wantirna South at Heights Reserve next weekend while Croydon is away to Montrose.