EFNL Premier Division 2024: Rowville brushes aside Vermont in 60-point demolition job
Rowville is starting to hit its straps according to the coach. And it’s been boosted by a gun mid-season inclusion, among a swag of key names set to return.
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It was an almighty statement by the reigning premier.
Rowville put top-five rival Vermont to the sword in the form of a 60-point drubbing on Sunday, consolidating itself eight points clear in third spot.
Trailing the 2023 runner-up by a point at quarter-time, the Hawks gained ascendancy in the second term for a 22-point lead at the half, and 29 at the final change, before a seven-goal last-quarter blitz.
“It was just really pleasing to string together a four-quarter performance,” Rowville senior coach Ben Wise said following the 20.11 (131) to 11.5 (71) victory.
“Over the last six to eight weeks we’ve been playing a little bit patchy, showing glimpses of how good we can be.
“We’ve just been working really hard on ball-movement, transition and on our system – and having some key personnel back in does help.”
North Melbourne VFL forward Lachlan Wynd was among the returning names – starring with five goals – alongside key target Kurtis Flakemore, while ruckman Nik Schoenmakers, Mitchell Sruk and Kane Young have also filtered back in across the past month or so.
“To get those two key forwards back (Wynd and Flakemore) just straightens you up a lot,” Wise said.
But among a wealth of contributors, the coach’s biggest shout was reserved for the engine room.
“It’s hard to go past the midfield,” Wise said.
“Anthony Brolic, Lachie McDonald and Lachie Stapleton goes under the radar … it was such a great performance from a lot of people.”
Eastern Ranges-listed talent Will Verrell was also in the best.
The midfielder-defender was described in the pre-season by Ranges talent manager Danny Ryan as “An incredibly big tank who really works hard, pushes himself to the limit and gets everything out of his footy”.
And the 18-year-old certainly delivered on Sunday.
“We gave him the job on (Ryan) Fitzpatrick and Will was super-important in his contest work, and his one-on-ones were strong as well,” Wise said.
“Giving him that exposure to a really good club like Vermont and the big moments, he relished it.”
The win lifts the Hawks’ record to 9-3, while Vermont sits fifth on percentage with seven wins and five losses.
Rowville is set to be boosted by the return of a string of gun names in the coming weeks – with Jake Arundell leading the pack.
The forward-midfielder crossed to South Adelaide this season where he played five matches – but a broken arm put paid to his time at the SANFL club.
Wise said the 21-year-old was in the mix to return against Balwyn this weekend, while Tyson Sruk and Josh Clarke weren’t far away.
“He’s moved back, South Adelaide have cleared him (and) he’s been at Box Hill doing his rehab,” Wise said of Arundell.
“He’s available this week.
“I feel like we’re in pretty good shape.”
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