It was a big weekend for the Mooroolbark Mustangs with the great results and some not so great results. The Vets Women kicked off proceedings on Friday night in a knockout semi final. Unfortunately the girls season came to an end as they went down to South Belgrave by 17 points. The girls have had another very competitive season and look forward to carrying that form into season 2026.
Final Score: Sth Belgrave 4 – 5 – 29 d Mooroolbark 2 – 0 – 12
Goals: Gledhill 1, Hoare 1
Saturday saw the Senior Men and Reserves host ladder leaders, South Belgrave, at the Heights Reserve in perfect conditions. The Ressies were always going to be up against it but, to their credit, fought the game out to the very end with coach Paul Toleman full of praise for their efforts. Skipper Jon Fraser was once again very busy in the last line of defence and if it wasn’t for his many strong marks the margin would have been much bigger. Further up the field Cambell Wyss and Josh Logg gained many possessions with Billy Toleman and Kynan Kowalski also having good games. The final margin was 37 points but the Mustang boys can be very proud of their efforts against quality opposition.
Final Score: Sth Belgrave 8 – 15 – 63 d Mooroolbark 4 – 2 – 26
Goals: Logg 2, T. Batten, Kowalski 1 each
Best Players: Fraser, Wyss, Logg, Toleman, Kowalski, Graham.
It was good to see a large contingent of old faces turn up for the Past Players Day to cheer on the Seniors. It was also the 10th anniversary of the Under 19’s Premiership of 2015 and it was great to see 16 members of that side turn up. Current captain, Kane Noonan, and solid defender, Jon Egan were also part of that team and joined in the celebrations after completing their playing duties. The Seniors came out against top of the ladder South Belgrave and put up a brave fight against top quality opposition. Although never looking like winning the Mustangs threw everything they could at the Saints and made them earn their 41 point win. Jett Hartman again took many saving marks in defence and was voted best. Marcus Hamilton and Josh Amiet continued their recent good form and Kane Noonan again provided drive out of the centre and around the ground.
Final Score: Sth Belgrave 13 – 16 – 94 d Mooroolbark 7 – 11 – 53
Goals: Amiet 2, TeBoekhorst 2, Gebert, Gilbee, Downie 1 each
Best Players: Hartman, Hamilton, Amiet, Noonan, Ryan, Downie
The footy continued on to Sunday when we hosted junior finals at The Heights, again in perfect weather. It was a great day for the club and a big thank you goes out to all the players who turned up to help out in jobs like canteen, barbecue, gate etc. It’s been a very frustrating season on the field but it’s events like this that show there is still great spirit and dedication amongst the player group.
While all this was going on at The Heights the Senior Women were over at Mulgrave Reserve fighting for a Grand Final berth against Blackburn. The girls went into the half time break with a 22 point lead and while the Blackburn girls fought back in the second half the Mustangs went on to record a solid 18 point victory and march straight into the Grand Final in two weeks time.
Final Score: Mooroolbark 5 – 10 – 40 d Blackburn 3 – 4 – 22
Goals: McMaster 2, Hayman, Carrucan, Doevelaar 1 each
Best Players: S. Haberfield, Forrest, McMaster, Beer, Doevelaar, R. Haberfield
Back at The Heights, the junior finals had wrapped up, and it was now time for the Vets Men to strut their stuff as they took on Waverley Blues for a spot in the big dance. The Mustangs have been dominant all season and continued their great form in this game, running out 66-point winners. Michael Cardamone was on target down forward, booting five goals and was ably supported by Ben Mullett, who slotted through three majors. Daniel Dimitriou put in his best game for the season, and Matt Polkinghorne and Jeremy Neumann gathered many possessions around the ground. It’s been a great season for the Vets in their first year back in the competition, and one more game should see them achieve the ultimate success.
Final Score: Mooroolbark 13 – 4 – 82 d Waverley Blues 2 – 4 – 16
Goals: Cardamone 5, Mullett 3, Polkinghorne 2, S. Dimitriou, D. Dimitriou, Mollica 1 each
Best Players: Cardamone, Chivers, Neumann, Polkinghorne, D. Dimitriou, Leary
