By Geoff 'Joffa' Newstead
Saturday saw the opening round of the EFNL 2025 season with a new look Mooroolbark hosting Norwood at the Heights Reserve. The Mustangs have appointed Ben Wheat as Senior Coach while also welcoming a number of new players to the club.
The Reserves set the scene with a solid 25-point win in perfect Autumn weather. The Seniors came out full of running and showed the benefits of a long, hard pre-season. The Mustangs held a 4 goal advantage at the first change and were never headed.
Team leaders Kane Noonan and Cayden Maki continued their fine form from last season gathering numerous possessions, while Jett Hartman was unpassable at half back, taking many strong marks and repelling Norwood’s attacking moves. Tall forwards Josh Neal and Ethan Wright showed that they’ll be great assets, as will new ruck man, Robbie Swan. Other debutants, Connor Riley, Jak Ryan and Patrick Downie also fitted in well and added dash and strength at ground level. Overall it was a great team effort and the margin would have been even greater with a bit more accuracy in front of goal. Next week, the Mustangs take on North Ringwood before a break over Easter. Final Score: Mooroolbark 12 – 22 – 94 d Norwood 3 – 8 – 26 Best Players: Hartman, Maki, Noonan, Dobie, Downie, Gebert Goals: Neal 2, Gebert 2, Dobie, Peacock, Maki, Noonan, Wright, Ryan, Crossley, Oliver.
Other Mustang scores:
Reserves : Mooroolbark 7 – 7 – 49 d Norwood 3 – 6 – 24
Veterans Women : Mooroolbark 12 – 13 – 85 d Blackburn 0 – 1 – 1
Veterans Men : Mooroolbark 23 – 10 – 154 d Chirnside Park 3 – 4 – 22
