EFNL 2021: Ex-Charger Hannin Mundy makes mark in ‘Roos upset win over Croydon
An ex-Oakleigh Charger’s dominant ruck display headlined the ‘Roos first-round win, among a host of names debuting.
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East Ringwood ushered in a new era in its opening round upset win over Croydon on Saturday with an ex-Oakleigh Charger making his mark on debut, among a host of new names.
The ‘Roos’ 11.8 (74) to 6.15 (51) win over the 2019 Division 1 runner-up came as they unveiled five new players, with a headlining performance in the ruck by former Charger and East Burwood tall Hannin Mundy.
He was joined by “exciting” 17-year-old Sahaf Ali who finished among the best, on-baller Will MacRae, 2013 Eastern Ranges premiership star Mitch Keedle and VFL Coburg name Harry Nolan.
With the recent retirements of key talls Andrew Renton and Dean Cleven, Osborne said Mundy shouldered the bulk of the rucking duties, taking the game apart in the second term to help his side to a 21-point buffer at the half following an even first quarter.
Fellow tall Ben Hickleton left the field in the second term with a hand injury after time in the role, while Daniel Butera later gave Mundy a chop-out.
“He (Mundy) was outstanding yesterday – he set the tone in the second quarter with a few clearances, and this is what he brings – he got three centre clearances on his own by following up,” Osborne said.
“That’s his strength – he’s not the tallest bloke but he competes and when it hits the deck he becomes another midfielder.”
Meanwhile, fellow debutants Keedle and Nolan played integral roles in defence in lieu of experienced recruit and playing-assistant Dale Walker, who missed with a “niggling hamstring”.
Co-captain Chris Cerni also made the move down back, linking up with mainstay Dylan Belo.
Osborne credited the pressure of the midfield alongside the defenders’ resolve countering Croydon’s charge as it found its way back into the contest in the third quarter, pegging the margin back to eight points at the last change.
“We were fortunate enough to get Harry Nolan back from Coburg … he was outstanding yesterday and hopefully he’s back with Coburg next week and ‘Walks’ fills that role,” Osborne said.
“It’s a pretty experienced backline with some young talent and energy, and it’s a nice mix down there. Dale expects the best – he’s a winner and he drives that group pretty hard.”
In attack, Alex McIntosh booted three for the ‘Roos while co-captain James Belo snagged two, as Riley Costantino, Matt McKenzie, Joel Koger, Billy Dickson, Adrian Ficorilli and Andrew Carter all booted singles for the Blues.
The ‘Roos face a new-look Wantirna South next week, followed by 2019 preliminary finalist Park Orchards, with Osborne under no illusions of the challenges ahead in the next fortnight.
“We’ve looked from a fair way out that our first three games – Croydon, Wantirna South and Park Orchards – we’re primed and ready to contest against high quality opposition from the get-go,” he said.
“In this division, you just can’t take anyone lightly.”
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