Outer East league: Woori Yallock champ’s journey to 200 games

A Woori Yallock star emerged from the wilderness to play his 200th game as the Tigers halted Healesville’s unbeaten run in Outer East Premier Division.

Jake Matthews played his 200th game on Saturday after almost almost three years on the sidelines.

When Jake Matthews played his 199th game for Woori Yallock in 2022, he had no idea he’d have to wait almost three years to bring up the 200 milestone.

But that’s how it panned out for the four-time Tigers premiership star, who has battled groin injuries (tendinitis).

On Saturday, Matthews made a surprise comeback, running out for his 200th game and helping Woori Yallock to a rousing win over Healesville, 10.8 (68) to 4.5 (29).

With half a dozen Tigers players sidelined, including key forward Taylor Gibson (calf) and Ben Monkhorst (family duties), Woori needed reinforcements.

Matthews is Woori Yallock’s assistant coach this season and has been training over summer.

“When Gibbo went out…the opportunity popped up and we went for it and it paid dividends, so it was great,” Woori coach Brendan Donovan said.

Matthews was lively up forward, although he didn’t have his kicking boots on — he scored 0.4 and three out on the full. But he provided a spark and the Tigers lifted.

“He could have had a big day had he kicked straight,” Donovan said.

Donovan described Matthews as “one of the best players at local level” in the past decade.

“I looked it up and he played in four premierships in his first 80 games,” Donovan said.

Woori Yallock was also missing Archie Spencer, Hunter Ryan and Christian Cameron.

Yet, the Tigers were able to put the squeeze on undefeated Healesville, keeping the Bloods to only nine scoring shots.

“It was one of those very proud wins, the boys executed exactly what we’d spoken about before the game,” Donovan said.

“They were really invested in getting the win.”

Donovan said Woori Yallock “defended unbelievably well”.

“To keep a team that had 320 disposals, to keep them to 29 inside fifties, I was extremely happy,” he said.

Zach Monkhorst of Woori Yallock. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Under 18 Ruben Hurley debuted and played well, Hamish Gemmill made a strong return to senior ranks and reigning Smith-Ramage Medal winner Zach Monkhorst kicked three goals, as did Alex Marsh.

Woori also counted Mitchell Arnold, Joel Smith, Joel Adams, Ryley Monkhorst and Jordan Williams among their best players.

It was Healesville’s first defeat of 2025. Anthony Biddiscombe, Brandon Murphy and Patrick Murray were best for the Bloods.

HAWKS HIT BACK

Monbulk bounced back from a 104-point loss to Wandin last week to beat Upwey Tecoma 17.13 (115) to 10.8 (68). Joel Wensley (five goals) and Lochlan Beecroft (four) were lively up forward and Adam Banks, Lachlan Sheppard and Ryan Burleigh were in everything for the Hawks.

ROOS BREAK THROUGH

Officer opened its winning account, edging Mt Evelyn 10.4 (64) to 7.12 (54). Mark Seedsman kicked four goals while Jake Gains and Lachie Ward booted two apiece as the Roos led narrowly at every break. Officer’s new coach Nathan Allen was named best afield.

BLOODS UNDEFEATED

Ex-Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg slotted five goals as Olinda Ferny Creek overpowered Gembrook Cockatoo 20.22 (142) to 8.10 (58). Bloods captain Francis Seal was named best afield while Sam Cuthbert, Luca Smith, Lachlan Kennedy and Percy Hyett were in everything. Olinda Ferny Creek and Wandin are undefeated after four rounds. They play each other this Saturday.

BULLDOGS BLITZ

Jordan Jaworski slotted six goals as Wandin put the whip to Emerald 21.15 (141) to 2.5 (17). Six unanswered goals in the opening quarter set up the Bulldogs who counted co-captains Patty Bruzzese and Cody Hirst as their best players.