Last Saturday saw the Mooroolbark Senior Women travel to Quambee Reserve to take on Montrose in the Grand Final. The Mustangs have had another great season and were striving for their third consecutive premiership. Right from the first bounce, the girls were relentless in the pressure they applied, with their opponents having to work hard for every possession. Jumping to an early lead, the Mustangs were never headed, running out comfortable 25-point winners. Sarah Haberfield capped off a great season with Best on Ground honours, but the Mustangs had winners all over the ground. Danielle Carrucan and Ella Brown were dangerous down forward, finishing with two goals each, while Emma Beer and Aimee Freene also saw plenty of the ball. Coach Keryn Ralph and her assistants have done a great job in getting the best out of the girls and will no doubt be looking forward to leading the Mustangs into Division One in season 2026.
Final Score: Mooroolbark 5 – 8 – 38 d Montrose 2 – 1 – 13
Goals: Carrucan 2, Brown 2, Maki 1
Best Players: S. Haberfield, Beer, Freene, McMaster, Carrucan, Brown
After the women’s game, it was a short drive across to HE Parker Reserve to watch the Mooroolbark Veterans Men take on North Ringwood in the Grand Final. The Mustangs have had a stellar season in their first season back in Vets footy for a number of years, going through undefeated, so expectations were high. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go to plan with North Ringwood gaining an early lead and never looking in danger of losing, the final margin being 47 points. The Mustangs never stopped trying, but it was just one of those games where nothing seemed to work. Full credit to the North Ringwood boys who played some great footy and thoroughly deserved their victory.
Final Score: Nth Ringwood 12 – 9 – 81 d Mooroolbark 5 – 4 – 34
Goals: S. Dimitriou 2, M. Polkinghorne, Cardamone, Leary 1 each
Best Players: Mollica, M. Polkinghorne, Neumann, Bell, Chivers, McManus
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Mooroolbark Football Club will make a few new appointments, with the positions of head trainer, senior men’s coach and senior men’s assistant coach open for expressions of interest.
A head trainer would work across the men’s, women’s and veterans teams and must hold the required training. For all inquires, contact Craig Pretty on 0411 868 435.
The senior men’s side remains in Division One with a well-positioned playing list. The club is looking for coaches who can drive improvement, foster culture, and lead by example.
To apply, please send your expression of interest and coaching resume to mooroolbark@efnl.org.au by 6pm, Friday 19 September. For more info or a confidential chat, contact Paul Toleman 0412 742 456.
