Outer East league: ‘Explosive’ Healesville sharpshooter slots seven goals

A bag of goals and a raft of young guns helped Healesville secure its biggest victory of the season in Outer East league.

Healesville small forward Sam Gebert slotted seven goals on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

There was a sprinkling of magic in Healesville’s 56-point win over Hallam on Saturday.

Bloods small forward Sam Gebert dipped into his bag of tricks to fire off seven goals in the 18.10 (118) to 19.2 (62) triumph at Hallam Reserve.

A snap with his non-preferred left foot from 40m out was the best of Gebert’s goal haul.

“He’s an explosive small forward, got good pace, ability and he’s good on both sides,” Healesville coach Ryan Webster said of Gebert, who has 19 goals in five games and is on target to beat his 2022 tally of 40.

“He’s a gifted footballer and very handy for us, especially if we can isolate him up forward, he’s always a bit of a problem for whoever the opposition has to man up on him.

“So, yeah, we’re very lucky to have him.’’

Nick Mende takes a kick for Healesville. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Healesville co-captain Nick Mende capped a best-on-ground display with three goals as the Bloods rushed to a 33-point lead at halftime, and went on with it.

“He’s been good since coming back to the club (from Woori Yallock),” Webster said of Mende.

“He’s a quality player and leader. Controls the game for us.”

Tyson Sund was also lively up forward for Healesville, kicking three goals.

Max Donegan, Tennyson Amarant and Liam Daly were also among the best players as Healesville improved its record to 3-2 to sit in fourth spot on the Division 1 ladder.

Donegan had a different role up on the wing, and did it well.

Healesville’s Max Donegan.

Tennyson Amarant. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Webster said Amarant has been playing good football off half back, also a new role for him.

“He’s relished that,’’ he said.

“He’s been helping more senior players down back, Daniel Plozza and Dale Senior, and has really strengthened the backline.”

Webster, in his first season at the club, said the Bloods were a developing side, hungry for success.

“We’ve been really concentrating on team football and it’s been working for us,’’ he said.

“They’re learning every day.

“It’s new for them what I’ve brought to the club, so they’ve come a long way in a short time. We’re still learning, which is great.

Healesville coach Ryan Webster. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Healesville debutant Reece Hargreaves in the middle of the circle after the victory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We’ve shown in pretty much every game that our best is good enough to compete with every side, we just need a little bit more consistency but that will come with the growth of the group because they’re eager to learn, they’re enthusiastic and they definitely want to play some finals footy this year.

“There’s always going to be ups and downs when learning a new game plan and it’s still a relatively young group.

“We’ve just got to make sure we limit the amount of troughs.”

Hallam is yet to break through for its first win in Outer East since crossing from Southern league, but the Hawks continue to chip away.

Rory McIvor and Harry Sharlassian tried hard, and Riley Van Eede, Tom Delaney and Daniel Guic kicked two goals each.

Healesville hosts Officer on Saturday before heading into the bye weekend.