Outer East league: The low-profile ex-Pie dominating local football

A former AFL-Magpie turned in yet another best-on-ground display as Olinda Ferny Creek edged closer to a finals berth in Outer East league’s Premier Division.

Matt Scharenberg has been outstanding for Olinda Ferny Creek this season. Pic: Michael Klein

He’s been named in Olinda Ferny Creek’s best players on 11 occasions this season.

Former Collingwood defender Matt Scharenberg continues to deliver for the Bloods, who appear to be marching to the finals in Outer East league’s Premier Division.

Scharenberg kicked four goals on Saturday as the Bloods dug deep to beat Emerald by 10 points, 13.14 (92) to 12.10 (82).

With a finals top-six in place this season, 7-5 Olinda Ferny Creek sits in fifth spot with six matches to go.

Scharenberg arrived at Olinda in 2021, keen to keep a low profile at local level after an AFL career hampered by setbacks.

He underwent three knee reconstructions during his time at the Magpies, the last coming in 2018.

His seven seasons at Collingwood took in 41 senior appearances.

Olinda Ferny Creek is 7-5 this season. Picture: Facebook

At Olinda Ferny Creek, Scharenberg wears No. 59 and performs any role coach Dylan Wilson asks of him.

On Saturday, he gave the Bloods the spark they needed in a tight contest.

“He’s unreal, he’s unbelievably consistent,’’ Wilson said of Scharenberg.

“It’s a bit of a privilege to have him to be honest.

“He’s been a great addition personality wise to the club…I think that’s part of Olinda’s DNA though. Ex AFL players who aren’t good people or aren’t good clubmen, I don’t think they’d last very long at the club to be honest.’’

Wilson said Scharenberg had put his hand up to play a “forward connector’’ role for the Bloods this season.

“He’s probably most comfortable behind the ball but it’s a credit to the type of person he is because he sacrificed racking up 40 plus on the half backline to be more of a forward connector for us which is a really hard role to play,’’ Wilson said.

“He was willing to give up what’s comfortable for him to challenge himself in a new role which has been awesome.’’

Ned and Tom Ford played their first game together for Olinda Ferny Creek. Picture: Supplied

Noah Desta also kicked three goals for the Bloods, who found inspiration from the competitive Patrick Rosier, Oakley Jessop, Sam Cuthbert and James Box.

Olinda Ferny Creek’s side included two 15-year-olds: Aden Bates and Tom Ford.

Ford got to play alongside his 17-year-old brother, Dan. No doubt the pair will play many more games together.

For Emerald, ball magnet Ewan Wadsworth was in everything and Jack McGough, Brendan Wilson and Nicholas Russo tried hard.

In other games:

*Aaron Mullett and Jordan Jaworski slotted six goals apiece to fire Wandin to victory over Mt Evelyn, 15.10 (100) to 13.6 (84). Jaworski has kicked 13 goals in his past three games. Patrick Hodgett, Sam Hodgett, Patty Bruzzese and Chayce Black were also among Wandin’s best, while Callum Urquhart booted four goals for Mt Evelyn and Max Kleverkamp, Bayley Forbes and Nick Hoskin were in the best.

Jordan Jaworski.

Patty Bruzzese.

*Hayden Finlay capped a best-on-ground display with three goals as Monbulk scored a crucial win over Upwey Tecoma, 15.12 (102) to 5.2 (32). Mitchell Veit, Max Thornton, Lochlan Beecroft, Josh Spencer and Campbell Evans also impressed as Monbulk, seventh, improved its record to 5-7.

*Harvey Smith and Taylor Gibson kicked late goals as Woori Yallock climbed off the canvas to edge a gallant Officer 8.12 (60) to 8.9 (57). Officer appeared on track for an upset win when it rushed to a 22-point lead in the opening quarter but the second-placed Tigers clawed their way back, kicking six goals to three after halftime. Bradd Arnold, Liam Odea and Zach Monkhorst had a bigsay in the win for Woori, while Officer vice captain Antonio Quach kicked three goals.

*A five-goal-to-one opening quarter set up Berwick Springs’ 14.5 (89) to 9.14 (68) win over Gembrook Cockatoo. It was the Titans’ second win of the season.

*Corey Bader, Joel Zietsman and Hayden Johnson ran hot as ladder leaders Narre Warren coasted to victory over Pakenham, 9.10 (64) to 3.6 (24).