EFNL 2024: Resurgent Mooroolbark upsets Montrose for third win in four weeks

Mooroolbark produced one of the upsets of the Eastern Division 1 season on Saturday as it continued to turn its campaign around following a 0-3 start.

EFNL Division 1 2024: Mooroolbark players belt out the song after upsetting Montrose.

Its biggest scalp yet makes it three wins in four weeks.

Mooroolbark has caused one of the boilovers of the Eastern Division 1 season, stunning local rival Montrose to the tune of 20 points on Saturday.

The Mustangs’ 8.10 (58) to 5.8 (38) victory followed wins over North Ringwood and Bayswater in the past month, after finding no joy in the opening three starts to their campaign.

Mooroolbark senior coach Bret Lavars couldn’t fault his group’s response.

“Going 0-3, there were probably some hard truths that were spoken about behind closed doors,” he said.

“I think the fact that the boys have responded and to see the growth in the group and individuals personally has been probably the most satisfying from a coaching point of view.

“You’re always striving to improve, but to see that happen in the space of four weeks has been pretty special.”

Captain Kane Noonan finished best for the Mustangs through the midfield, alongside VFL-listed Hawk Jye Peacock, as the hosts kicked away to a 24-point half-time advantage.

They didn’t relent, holding a 26-point buffer by the final change.

“In the second quarter I thought we probably got the game on our terms a little bit,” Lavars said.

“We were able to win some midfield clearances and get some good entries and then we were able to convert our work, whereas in previous weeks we hadn’t been … the week before (against South Belgrave) we kicked 5.18.”

Meanwhile, there was plenty of praise for emerging talent Rhys Crossley, who stood Montrose sharpshooter Ryan Garthwaite – holding the ex-AFL Tiger to two majors.

“I thought young Rhys Crossley did an outstanding job on him (Garthwaite),” Lavars said.

“The challenge I set for the young kid, he did a super job in that aspect.”

And dual league medallist Austin Smith continued to earn his keep.

“He might not have had as influential a game yesterday, but that allowed the other two (Noonan and Peacock) to probably get off the chain a bit,” Lavars said.

The result consigns Montrose to a third loss in four weeks for a 4-3 record – but lifts Mooroolbark to 3-4 with a winless Wantirna South to come in Round 8.

“I felt like that was the strongest list that we had available all season and they (Montrose) did have a couple of boys out … but I think post-game it was more about enjoy the moment, but there’s plenty of hard work in front of us,” Lavars said.

“We can’t be satisfied with that result – it’s about replicating the performance and building towards what is hopefully going to be, if all things to go plan, a finals appearance.”