MONASH UNIVERSITY MONDAY REVIEW - ROUND 8 2026
- Gabrielle Morri
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Sunday 14th June 2026
This week was the Monash University Leadership Round.
Monash University is a longstanding partner of the SMJFL, supporting our players to become leaders for their clubs and community for 9 years. Our shared values of empowering the next generation and fostering leadership within the community underpin this significant partnership and its positive impact on our community.
To celebrate Monash University Leadership Round, we are launching the Monash University Leadership Award for 2026. Read on to discover our first monthly winner, and details on how to nominate for the annual award.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Waverley Park Hawks U13 Mixed GEORGIOS def. East Malvern U13 Mixed REEVES by 5 points
Waverley Park 5.8 (39) def. East Malvern 5.4 (34) | Wellington Reserve
A tight and competitive contest unfolded at Wellington Reserve as the Waverley Park Hawks edged out East Malvern by five points in a match that remained close from start to finish.
East Malvern held a narrow lead at quarter time, which was answered by the Hawks in the second term to take a one-point advantage into half time. The third quarter saw East Malvern break away, scoring 2.1 to the Hawks’ 0.2, before Waverley Park came back strong in the final term, kicking 2.3 and stopping the Knights in their tracks to secure the win.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
St Peters / Murrumbeena U17.5 Boys LIONS def. Oakleigh Dragons U17.5 Boys DRAGONS by 5 points
St Peters/Murrumbeena 9.7 (61) def. Oakleigh 8.8 (56) | Centenary Park
This gripping match saw St Peters/Murrumbeena hold off a fast-finishing Oakleigh to scrape the win. The Lions built their platform early, kicking three goals in the opening term and extending their lead to 10 points at half time after a low-scoring second quarter.
The third term proved decisive, with St Peters/Murrumbeena producing four goals to push the margin out to 24 points. An explosive final term saw Oakleigh chalk up 4.3 to put the result back in the balance, but ultimately St Peters/Murrumbeena held strong to secure the win.
Port Colts U11 Girls RED def. Beaumaris U11 Girls SHARKS by 29 points
Port Colts 4.14 (38) def. Beaumaris 1.3 (9) | Beaumaris Secondary College
An unlikely victory unfolded at Beaumaris Secondary College as the Port Colts took on Beaumaris in the U11 Girls.
Despite having no bench to draw from, Port Colts were dominant throughout the match, kicking 1.3 in the first term and 2.3 in the second while keeping Beaumaris to just a single point. The match tightened after half time, with both sides finding it harder to score. Beaumaris added another 1.2 in the second half, but Port Colts continued to control the game, finishing with a final score of 4.14.
This resilient effort from a lean Port Colts side made this one of the most impressive performances of the round.
Prahran U11 Mixed MARSDEN def. Ormond U11 Mixed WELSH by 23 points
Prahran 7.8 (50) def. Ormond 4.3 (27) | E.E. Gunn Reserve
A strong performance from Prahran handed ladder-leaders Ormond their first major setback of the season, with Prahran claiming a 23-point win at E.E. Gunn Reserve.
Prahran set the tone early, kicking 3.1 in the opening term while holding Ormond scoreless, establishing a lead they would maintain for the rest of the match. Ormond responded in the second quarter with their first goal of the day, but Prahran continued to control the field and went into half time with a 19-point advantage.
The third quarter saw Ormond lift, adding two goals to close the gap, but Prahran steadied late and produced a composed final quarter, kicking 2.3 to seal the result and topple the ladder leaders.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND
Jack Rohan
East Brighton U15 Boys WEBER
Our Player of the Week is Jack Rohan, who this week became the first player in his U15 side to reach 100 games by a significant margin. Reaching 100 games requires years of commitment, resilience and consistency, values embodied by Jack throughout his time at the club. Even in a week where his team didn’t get the result they were looking for, this is a standout achievement that is worth celebrating. Congratulations, Jack!
MONASH UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
To celebrate Monash University Leadership Round, we're delighted to launch the 2026 Monash University Leadership Award.
This award recognises a young leader in the SMJFL community who demonstrates leadership qualities. This award aims to highlight individuals who lead through their actions, not necessarily the loudest or most athletic.
This month, we are highlighting Jemma Gray, Assistant Coach of the SMJFL U14 Girls Division 1 Interleague team.
Jemma had her beginnings in the SMJFL, playing over 116 games for Mordialloc-Braeside before graduating to Mordialloc Women's in the SFNL.
Despite having no prior coaching experience, Jemma was approached by Brad Cardona (Head Coach of SMJFL U14 Girls Division 1 Interleague) to assist him in coaching the team.
Jemma stepped naturally into the role and was loved by the U14 Girls team, with her willingness to learn and take on feedback helping her to grow as a leader over the course of the program.
Jemma has her sights firmly set on the future, aspiring to continue her coaching journey in junior football.
Nominations for the 2026 Monash University Leadership award are now, open. One young person will be selected from all nominations to be awarded the annual Monash University Leadership Award, with a winner being highlighted each month from the nomination pool.
