Outer East league: Monbulk digs deep for season-turning victory

An “uncomfortable” week on the training track did the trick as Monbulk mounted a stunning form reversal in Outer East league.

Monbulk bounced back from a heavy defeat last round to beat Upwey Tecoma on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

A week really is a long time in football.

And for Monbulk, it was the time it needed to put its spluttering season back on track in Outer East Premier Division.

Monbulk lurched to a stinging 82-point loss to Olinda Ferny Creek in Round 8.

It forced the Hawks to take a deep breath and reevaluate the season.

And on Saturday, Monbulk rediscovered its mojo to score a stirring come-from-behind three-point win over Upwey Tecoma, 9.10 (64) to 9.7 (61).

Brodie Emmett kicked the winning goal with four minutes to go, putting the Hawks in front after they trailed by 15 points at the last break.

Ziggy Hatherley and Harry Fleming also booted last-term goals as a focused Monbulk finished with a rush.

“It was certainly pleasing to be in front at the end,” a relieved Monbulk coach Andrew Williams said.

Monbulk coach Andrew Williams. picture: Facebook

Monbulk players responded with a rousing win.

Lochlan Beecroft through the midfield was massive for Monbulk all match.

Josh Spencer down back was influential, particularly in the second half.

Glenn Strachan had another consistent game and Lachlan Sheppard was again vital up forward, providing a contest; if he didn’t mark the ball, he generally brought it to ground and brought others into the game.

Williams revealed last week’s heavy loss forced his side to reassess.

“When they say a week is a long time in football it certainly was, coming off probably the worst performance in my time at the footy club the week before,’’ he said.

“To bounce back with a completely different attitude and effort was really important for us moving forward.

“Our whole week was focused around what we will accept and what we won’t accept.

“Certainly what we dished up the week before was nowhere near the level and we got what we deserved.

“So the whole week was a big focus on getting our effort and work rate and effort where it needs to be.

“It was a really pleasing result given what we had been through the week before.”

Williams said training was designed to put the players under pressure.

“Everyone, myself included, had to take responsibility for what we are doing and how we can improve. That was the main focus,’’ Williams said.

“I think the majority of it was the six inches above your shoulders more than anything, don’t get too comfortable. Our training was around not being comfortable, and under pressure, and find the improvements you need to under pressure.

“We’re a pretty young group and we’re always looking for ways to improve.”

Monbulk, 3-5, is in sixth spot on the ladder and Williams said finals was “definitely achievable” — but added, “we have to be at our best every week to get to the finals”.

Monbulk faces last season’s grand finalists Woori Yallock next weekend.

Elsewhere, former Port Adelaide defender Joel Garner slotted six goals to fire Wandin to a whopping 163-point win over Gembrook Cockatoo in Outer East’s Premier division. The undefeated Bulldogs slammed on 10 goals in the last quarter, prevailing 24.24 (168) to 0.5 (5). Narre Warren thrashed Woori Yallock by 70 points in a rematch of last season’s grand final, with Brad Scalzo, Jake Richardson and Joel Zietsman running hot. Alexandra forward Ted Watkin booted nine goals in the Rebels’ 167-point win over Yarra Junction in Division 2.