EFNL 2025: ‘Mature’ Mooroolbark kickstarts new era in 68-point drubbing

Don’t let age fool you – the plucky, young Mustangs, aided by experience, fired to an 11-goal masterclass on Saturday in its Division 1 season-opener under a new coach. Here’s who starred.

A HOST of new and returning names have kickstarted Mooroolbark’s new era under first-year coach Ben Wheat.

The Mustangs proved too strong for relegated Premier Division outfit Norwood on Saturday, prevailing in a 68-point demolition job, 12.22 (94) to 3.8 (26).

Six new faces donned the green and gold stripes, including Connor Riley, Ethan Wright, Patrick Downie, Robbie Swan, Josh Neal and Jak Ryan.

And the usual suspects also fired – with young guns Jett Hartman and Cayden Maki finishing as the Mustangs’ best afield, lighting it up across half-back.

“True to form and off the back of big pre-seasons, it was no surprise they both played how they did, that’s for sure,” Wheat said of the pair.

Meanwhile, tough-as-nails midfielder Kane Noonan “pretty much did what Kane does”.

“He was good inside and outside … he’s almost got better actually, if that’s possible. He was super all day,” Wheat said.

EFNL 2025: Mooroolbark's Cayden Maki was among the best afield on Saturday. Picture: Mooroolbark FC

The Mustangs pulled away from a goalless – but inaccurate – Norwood late in the opening term to lead by 22 points at quarter-time, the Norsemen registering a wasteful 0.5.

Wheat said the most pleasing aspect was the “maturity of the group” in wrestling back momentum – with his charges seldom troubled after the first break.

“We didn’t start great but they were able to stay composed and get the game back on our terms when we needed it,” he said.

“In the past I think they’ve slingshotted the ball and haven’t been able to change gears too well, and I thought we managed the game really well.

“That comes off the back of Cayden and Kane driving that, but it was good to see the young guys buy into that as well.”

Also lighting it up was former Northern Knight and Blackburn under-19 talent Patrick Downie in his first senior match, finishing among the Mustangs’ best.

“He played well and he’s a real young one – he was good. Ran through the wing a little bit and through our half-forward and half-back flanks. Tough with heaps of energy, he’s got a lot of upside,” Wheat said.

Dealt a hammer blow during the off-season with powerhouse ruckman Ryley Monkhorst departing, Wheat said well-travelled big-man Swan didn’t take long to click in the role.

“We definitely lost a really good ruckman, but I think we’ve added a really good one, too,” he said.

“Robbie’s had a good pre-season with us and he’ll only get better once he gets to know the comp and gets to know the boys really well, and I thought he was pretty good.”

Mooroolbark is away to North Ringwood in round two.