EFNL 2022: Fast-finishing Mooroolbark sinks Mitcham

Several key recruits were on show for Mooroolbark on Saturday, including an ex-AFL mid, as it shook off Mitcham in Division 1.

A final-quarter burst earned Mooroolbark a season-opening win on Saturday, defeating Mitcham by 26 points in the Eastern league’s Division 1.

The Mustangs led by less than a kick at all changes, before piling on 4.6 to 1.0 in the last to win 10.12 (72) to 6.10 (46).

Jai Jordan finished in Mooroolbark’s best couple with a game-high three goals, while at the other end, Tom Lovell snagged two majors for his new club.

Very little separated the Mustangs and Tigers for three quarters. Picture: Mitcham Football Club

Mooroolbark senior coach Bret Lavars lauded his side’s pressure, particularly in the final term in slippery conditions. The Mustangs kicked the last five majors of the match.

“The conditions didn’t benefit either side but I just thought our pressure was better for longer,” he said.

“We finished exceptionally well and managed to get on top late, but credit to them (Mitcham), they were fantastic for probably three-and-a-half quarters. We probably just found an extra gear.”

But Lavars believes the Tigers found their way clear in a key area of the ground.

“But if anything, I thought our midfield probably got beaten on the day, if I’m honest.”

The Mustangs unveiled star recruit Heath Hocking, with the wet conditions favouring the former Essendon tagger.

Hocking (left) hunts a Mitcham opponent. Picture: Mitcham Football Club

“He was actually pretty happy that it rained,” Lavars said.

“When he rocked up, he said it was his conditions. I think as the game went on, his quality and leadership came to the fore and especially late, I thought he was really good.”

And fellow gun recruit Ryley Monkhorst – son of Collingwood premiership ruckman, Damian Monkhorst – provided plenty in the ruck.

“It definitely was good to have a bigger body in there, at times Ryley gave us first use which was great. But credit to (Mitcham ruckman) Will Gordon, I thought he was really good all throughout the day. It was a really good tussle between two really good ruckmen.”

Ryley Monkhorst (right) played his first game for new club, Mooroolbark. Picture: Mitcham Football Club

Lavars said defender Shane Kennedy was “probably our best”, who combined well with returning star back Trent Georgiou. Lavars also sung the praises of young backman Dermot Reynolds, who held livewire Mitcham forward Jake Parente to one goal.

“For a young kid to come in and get that role and embrace it, that was really pleasing,” he said.

Jayden Weichard, Cayden Maki, Jon Egan and Kane Noonan rounded out Mooroolbark’s best.

Meanwhile Jesse Cherry, Will Gordon, Alex Barton-Smith, Riley Nicholas, Jarrod West and Jesse Uren were prominent for the Tigers.

Mooroolbark hosts Beaconsfield in Round 2 while Mitcham takes on East Ringwood away.