The winning spirit returned to Murrumbeena Park amid jubilation about a 56 point win over division 3 rival, Endeavour Hills. The seniors were winless last year but new coach Liam Wilson started his role in style. Wade King and Tom Rigby resumed their 1-2 best and fairest form from 2021 and one-time Beena junior Steve Tolongs dominated up forward. Another returning Lion Jake Semmel added his muscle and dash around the bounces. Our pics aim to express the excitement of the win after the final siren.
Murrumbeena reserves had their win in hand against Endeavour Hills when Tommy Robb grew a metre and took a screamer in the goal square in the dying minutes. A mix of new faces, old faces and players who began 2021 in the seniors, indicated the reserves, and therefore the seniors, would be much more competitive this season. It must have warmed new reserves coach Jesse Sealey’s appetite for the job. He will have a lot of players hungry for senior spots.
With persistent mist, the ball became slippery and Murrumbeena FNC under-19s were the first to face the challenge. They went down to the Endeavour Hills lads by six goals. The opposition adapted better, winning contested marks and putting a lot of pressure on the Lions backline all day. Beena kicked goals early but they dried up, not like the weather. Last year, Beena started slow and rusty but gathered momentum before being roughly treated by Covid -forced changes.
Murrumbeena women footballers flexed their muscle against St Paul’s, winning their grading game by 84 points. Only a year ago, the female playing list was so thin a team was strongly in doubt. Successful former captains Grace Bibby and Lauren Luff headed a talented band of returning players to stand beside incumbents such as present day skipper Lily Brown and Ally Williams. Aim high, ladies!