Outer East league: Taylor Gibson kicks 11 goals as Woori Yallock’s kids sparkle

It was a day dominated by Taylor Gibson, but the 2025 season kickoff will also be cherished by Woori Yallock fans for the arrival of three exciting teenage Tiger talents.

Taylor Gibson fired off 11.1 for Woori Yallock on Saturday. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

It was Taylor Gibson’s day but Woori Yallock fans will also remember the opening round of the 2025 season for the emergence of three exciting Tiger cubs.

Archie Spencer, Hunter Ryan and Tyler Ormsby are all just 16 and on Saturday they made their mark at senior level as Woori Yallock powered to an 87-point win over Emerald, 23.8 (146) to 8.11 (59).

Gibson kicked 11.1 — plus one out on the full — in an eye-popping display of forward craft.

“Gibbo was unbelievable,” Woori Yallock coach Brendan Donovan said.

“He was on the end of some nice ball movement. It was good to see him kick nice and straight. He finished off really well.

“He just presents. And when he’s around the ball he’s always providing a contest. He was just very methodical yesterday which was great. He’s just a natural leader.”

Ormsby made it a day he’ll always remember by kicking a goal with his first disposal in senior footy.

He played at both ends and held his own.

“He did some really good things,” Donovan said of Ormsby.

“That was really exciting.”

Brendan Donovan, head coach of Woori Yallock. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Spencer was arguably second best on ground behind Gibson after sparkling in the midfield, even attracting a tag as Emerald tried to curb his influence.

“Archie was sensational,” Donovan said.

“There’s not many 16 year olds who end up getting tagged in a senior game of footy. He was really good.”

Ryan played half back and provided plenty of run and carry.

Spencer and Ryan played U16 Vic Metro last year and are names to remember going forward.

Harvey Smith kicked three goals and Roy Ray and Spencer two apiece as the Tigers piled on nine goals in the second and last quarters.

Ewan Wadsworth was Emerald’s stand out, kicking four goals. Aidan Grose, Luka Pukitis and Isaac Seskis also tried hard.

Woori Yallock’s team was full of homegrown talent, as reflected by its player points of 22 from of a possible 46.

“They were all Woori kids,’’ Donovan said.

“There’s been a lot of change over summer with substantial list changes but change is good at footy clubs, you do need to turn your list over.

“We wish all the boys well who decided to play somewhere else but we knew we had some really talented kids we had to give opportunity to.’’

League medal winner Zach Monkhorst missed the opening game due to a wedding but will return to the Woori side for its big clash with Wandin on Saturday.

In other games, Olinda Ferny Creek held Officer to just one goal after halftime as it romped away with a 71-point win, 16.17 (113) to 5.6 (36). Stuart Horner, back from the Box Hill Hawks, was the Bloods best player, while Lachlan Kennedy and Luca Smith kicked five goals apiece and Matthew Scharenberg and Francis Seal also starred.

A best-on-ground display by Nick Mende helped Healesville make a winning start in Premier Division. The Bloods, after winning the Division 1 flag last season, led throughout to beat Upwey Tecoma by 24 points, 9.7 (61) to 5.7 (37). Tyler Barclay and Aidan Rouse kicked three goals apiece.

Heathmont recruit Ryan Burleigh was named best in Monbulk’s 38-point win over Gembrook Cockatoo, 10.24 (84) to 7.4 (46). Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft and Josh Rak also impressed.