EFNL 2025: Sam Gilbert, Harry Broderick, Jacob Noble, Matt Nelson propel Noble Park charge

Ex-AFL Saint Sam Gilbert made an immediate impression in his new colours on Saturday – but he wasn’t the only standout for Noble Park ...

EFNL 2025: Sam Gilbert toasted a win on debut for Noble Park. Picture: Supplied

Former AFL Saint Sam Gilbert made a splash on debut for Noble Park on Saturday – but he wasn’t the only standout in the Bulls’ 30-point win.

Linking with the Eastern Premier Division outfit last week, Gilbert spent most of his time forward as Noble Park consigned Mitcham to a 0-4 start.

“He was super – still the same kind of footballer that he was for all his years in the AFL,” Noble Park senior coach Steve Hughes said.

“He was really well balanced, used the ball well, made good decisions and gave us a target, good leadership out there for the boys as well – and kicked an outstanding goal from the boundary.”

EFNL 2025: Sam Gilbert on debut for Noble Park. Picture: Supplied

The Bulls turned a five-point quarter-time buffer into 39 by the main break, spearheaded by four first-half goals to Matt Nelson.

Meanwhile, Harry Broderick – son of former Fitzroy and Richmond footballer, Paul – proved pivotal through the middle in the Bulls’ second-quarter surge.

“His second quarter was outstanding, and that was our best quarter of the day,” Hughes said.

“He got us going and gave us a bit of grunt and contested footy.”

But the biggest shout was reserved for young VFL-listed defender Jacob Noble, finishing best afield.

“He took a lot of intercept marks, made good decisions, and went to come off his opponent to impact the contest,” Hughes said.

Despite the praise, Hughes lamented his side’s third quarter, conceding 4.5 as the visiting Tigers closed the gap to 26 points by the final change.

“We’ll spend a fair bit of time on the review with that because we went away from some of the things we value, but the second was outstanding,” he said.

A tough month on the road awaits the Bulls with East Ringwood, Vermont, Balwyn and Doncaster East.

“We’re looking forward to it (and) hopefully we can get a scalp,” Hughes said.