Outer East FN: goal after siren triggers Monbulk ‘madness’

Monbulk conjured a magical final few minutes, capped by a goal after the siren, to snatch a dramatic one-point win and continue its march to the Outer East Premier Division finals.

Monbulk had plenty to celebrate. Picture: Anthea Linde

He was Monbulk’s man for the moment.

Lochlan Beecroft had just taken a mark — with his Hawks trailing Upwey Tecoma by five points — when the final siren sounded on Saturday.

Nearby in the coaches box, Monbulk coach Matt Cunningham gasped, swivelled and headed down to the fence to watch his team’s fate play out.

It all rested on Beecroft’s boot.

Moments earlier, he looked to be limping — hobbled by a bad corky.

But, smooth as silk and with nerves of steel, left-footer Beecroft slotted the goal from 30m out to trigger Monbulk madness, snatching a stunning 9.9 (63) to 9.8 (62) victory.

Just seven days after knocking off top-of-the-ladder Wandin, the jubilant Hawks were celebrating another monumental moment in their match to the Outer East’s Premier Division finals.

“In the last two years that’s the fourth game we’ve had that has been decided after the siren,’’ Cunningham said.

“We’ve lost three…that’s the first one we’ve won. It’s nice to be on the right side this time.’’

Cunningham joked: “I nearly thought about hiding behind the coaches box so I didn’t have to watch.’’

While Beecroft was the hero, the lead-up play by Max Thornton and Cameron Griffiths, whose chip kick hit-up a leading Beecroft, was crucial.

Johnathon Hevern kicked two crucial goals. Picture: Anthea Linde

So, too, was the impact of Johnathon Hevern, who kicked successive goals at the 24 and 25 minutes marks — both coming from goal assists from Josh Wentworth — after Upwey Tecoma got out to a 17-point lead.

Cunningham said he was confident Beecroft would kick the goal.

“He enjoys his footy, doesn’t take it too serious,’’ he said of Beecroft.

“And I think that sort of mentality suited that situation. He didn’t over think it.’’

Monbulk gun Lachlan Sheppard continued his superb season with another best-on-ground display, while Bailey Rutherford slotted two goals, and Campbell Evans, Griffiths, Ryan Burleigh and Joshua Spencer were also among the best.

For Upwey Tecoma, Samuel Raru, Jack McKay, Matt Szczesny and Jai Sheehan tried hard all game.

With a 7-6 record, Monbulk has cemented fifth spot.

The Hawks have a week off before facing Healesville (home), Woori Yallock (away), Emerald (away) and Mt Evelyn (home) in the next month.

BLOODS TOO GOOD

Olinda Ferny Creek took Gembrook Cockatoo to the cleaners, winning 19.17 (131) to 9.4 (58). Ex-Collingwood player Matthew Scharenberg gave a dominating performance for the Bloods, while Lachlan Kennedy, Noah Desta and Francis Seal kicked three goals apiece.

Matthew Scharenberg in action for Olinda Ferny Creek. Picture: Andrew Batsch

MULLETT ON CUSP ON TON

Ex-AFL man Aaron Mullett fired off 10 goals to move to 98 for the season as Wandin put the whip to Emerald, 18.19 (127) to 6.7 (43). The 33-year-old is expected to notch his first goal century next Saturday when the Bulldogs host Olinda Ferny Creek. Mullett is averaging 8.1 goals a game this season.

RED-HOT TIGERS

A sizzling 7.3 to nil opening quarter put Woori Yallock on the path to a convincing win over Healesville, 13.13 (91) to 6.6 (42). Archie Spencer and Hamish Gemmill lit the fuse early as the Tigers stamped their authority, while Robert Allen, Mitchell Arnold and Zach Monkhorst were also outstanding, and Taylor Gibson kicked three goals to move to 55 for the season.

ROOS ON A ROLL

Officer made it two wins on the bounce, beating Mt Evelyn 12.12 (84) to 10.6 (66). Mark Seedsman kicked four goals for the Kangaroos, who counted Ryan Hutton as their best player.