MONASH UNIVERSITY MONDAY REVIEW
ROUND 1
SUNDAY 14 April 2024
Monash University Under 17.5 Boys Division 1
Port South 8.13.61 def East Sandy Rovers 8.7.55
A thrilling encounter to commence the 2024 SMJFL season under lights at RSEA Park, as both Port South and East Sandy Rovers looked to open their season in winning fashion. Standout performances from Spencer Hawkins, Declan Smith, Camdyn Collins, and Orlando Hall propelled East Sandy Rovers to an early 18-point lead at the first break. However, a determined and resurgent Port South managed to close the gap to just 9 points at 3 quarter-time, setting up a nail-biting final term. With a minor score levelling the scores at 55-55 with only 45 seconds left to play, a freekick awarded inside 50 afforded Port South the opportunity to convert and secure their first win of the season. Slotting home a goal within the dying moments, Port South walked away winners by 6 points.
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC 9.8.62 def Mordialloc-Braeside 6.6.42
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC played host to a strong Mordialloc-Braeside outfit on Sunday afternoon, and what proved to be tight meeting between two neighbouring sides. A fantastic opening half from St Bedes/Mentone saw the Tigers maintain a comfortable 17-point lead into half time. Notable performances from Daniel Plotkin, Jack Walker, Zach Hawkins, and Parker Austin, allowed St Bedes Mentone to endure a 3rdquarter scare from Mordialloc-Braeside which saw the deficit reduced to 2 points at 3 quarter-time. Despite a dogged effort from Mordialloc-Braeside, a clinical Oliver Griffin launched St Bedes Mentone towards securing a 20-point win for the Tigers.
Ajax 13.11.89 def East Brighton Vampires 7.9.51
A fantastic opening quarter by East Brighton Vampires looked a promising start for the visitors, leading hosts Ajax by 15 points at quarter time. Keeping East Brighton to only a minor score in the second term, an invigorated Ajax side proved near impossible to shut down, slotting home 5 goals to no reply. Ajax’s scoring efforts continued swiftly in the third quarter, with Bailey Nussbaum, Ari Fell, Eiden Pitt and Doron Segal all contributing strongly to the scoreboard, allowing Ajax to run home 38 point winners at home.
Waverley Park Hawks 5.8.38 def. by Bentleigh 8.7.55.
A well-executed performance at both ends of the ground by Bentleigh in the opening term provided the demons with a strong start, kicking 3.1 and conceding only 3 minor scores. Responding in excellent style in the second quarter, Waverley Park Hawks reduced the margin to just 5 points at the main break. Despite a close encounter in the third quarter, Jack Morrissey, Oliver Drury, Ethan Cash, and Willis Reidy, gave the demons an added spark to finish strong in the final term and secure a 17-point win away at Wellington Reserve.
Monash University Under 18 Girls Division 1
St Kilda City Feferkranz 14.16.100 def Hampton Rovers 0.1.1
A dominant display by St Kilda City saw walk away winners against Hampton Rovers at Peanut Farm Reserve. Notable performances from Cleo Phillips who kicked 5 goals, along with Matisse Eabry and Georgie Macris who shared in 4 goals between them, topped off an emphatic opening round win.
St Peters 8.9.57 def St Kilda City Allen 2.2.14
St Peters set the bar high in their opening game, securing a 43-point win to begin their season. Cohesive and relentless from the first bounce, St Peters first half display put the competition on notice as they led by 36 points at the half. Whilst St Kilda responded with two major scores in the second half, the goal scoring prowess of Ruby Hartney and Reanna Barbakas provided St Peters strong momentum to continue their attacking efforts into the final term and close out their first win of 2024.
Beaumaris 3.4.22. def by Prahran 8.8.56.
Beaumaris and Prahran commenced their respective campaigns with an end-to-end encounter at Banksia Reserve. A tight first half saw two goals separate the sides at halftime, however a strong Prahran side gave themselves a comfortable cushion in the third term, leading Beaumaris by 30 points heading into the final change. Scoring efforts from Edie McLachlan and Izabela Ignjic were enough to keep Beaumaris at arm’s length and claim a 34 point victory away from home.
Caufield 6.18.54 def South Melbourne 0.4.4
A strong Caufield Bears side proved challenging to contain for South Melbourne, racing away with an assertive 50-point win in the opening round. A low scoring first quarter for both sides set up what looked to be a close affair, however an accurate Caufield turned the tide in the second period, leading South Melbourne by 19 points at half-time. Among the best for South Melbourne including Emily Antonie, Jessica Marshall, and Daisy Potter, the Districts were unable to respond to Caufield’s tenacity in the second half. Commendable displays from Claudia Wotherspoon, Grace McIntyre, Georgia Miller, and Camille Demathieu, gave Caufield more to celebrate as the Bears ran away convincing victors at Koornang Park.
