EFL 2022: Mulgrave upsets South Belgrave by seven points

The Lions handed South Belgrave its first loss of the season in the EFL’s Division 2 on Saturday. Here’s how they did it.

Mulgrave has claimed one of the most sought-after scalps in the Eastern league’s Division 2.

The Lions edged ladder-leader South Belgrave by seven points on Saturday afternoon in an arm-wrestle at Wellington Reserve – 9.10 (64) to 8.9 (57).

The result marks Mulgrave’s second consecutive win after starting the season 0-3, while handing the Saints their first loss following a 4-0 start.

Mulgrave’s Adam Booth (left) and Connor Tilyard celebrate the Round 4 win over Heathmont. Picture: Craig Bonney/Rhonda Tilyard Eddy

Mulgrave senior coach Ryan Webster said the victory was “reward for effort” after running both East Burwood and Ringwood to 12 and 10 points in recent weeks in what he believes “taught us a lot”.

“They’ve worked really hard through pre-season to try and work on the things we’ve been trying to teach the last two and a half years,” Webster said.

“To obviously play some pretty good footy in the first four rounds, and be unlucky in a couple then have a good win over Heathmont (in Round 4), the biggest thing is being able to back it up.

“It was a hard-fought win towards the end but they followed the process and kept disciplined. It’s definitely reward for effort and I’m pretty proud of the group.”

Webster believes a focus on contested footy has lifted his side this season – especially on Saturday against a Saints outfit known for heavily outscoring the opposition in second halves.

The Lions held a one-point advantage at the main break.

“We’ve built a bit of a brand on (contested footy) so far this season,” he said.

“(South Belgrave coach) Luke (Galliott) mentioned it after the game that we beat them pretty well around the contest which is a feather in our cap.

“The boys just kept delivering their competitive spirit at the contest, and that’s what got us over the line – were just able to stem any momentum that South Belgrave had.”

Mulgrave coach Ryan Webster. Picture: Craig Bonney/Rhonda Tilyard Eddy

Mulgrave’s Nathan Lee finished best afield for his role on Saints power forward Tim Smith, who finished with two majors.

“I thought ‘Boomer’ (Lee) had a massive role to play on him and did a super job,” Webster said.

“We gave ‘Boomer’ the job to just run with Smith as long as he could and defend him as hard as he can, and if he’s taking marks past the centre circle, that’s okay with us.

“He (Smith) swung the game their way on numerous occasions, but to (Lee’s) credit, he never gave up.”

Webster also praised the work of midfielder Jackson Gervasoni, while club great Dean Siakoulis finished among the best with two goals.

“Our midfield group are quite complementary now – we’ve got blokes who are getting in, putting their head in the trough and dishing it out to Dean Siakoulis, so he doesn’t have to be in-and-under like he has been for so many years,” Webster said.

“Jackson’s taken up that mantle whereby he works really hard in his game to make sure he can spread from the contest, get to the next contest and influence for us. That’s been a big feather in his cap.”

South Belgrave’s Sean Bartels booted two goals to be named best afield for the visitors, while Leigh Odermatt also finished with two. Meanwhile, ex-AFL Kangaroo Taylor Garner made his debut for the Saints, kicking a goal.

Mulgrave is away to Templestowe in Round 6 while South Belgrave hosts East Burwood.