Murrumbeena FNC finished minor premier after dominating division 3 third team Ashwood, 18.15 to 6.16.
The league ladder posted last night showed Murrumbeena with 14 wins and 164 pc ahead of second placed Black Rock, 14 wins, 160pc. Against Ashwood, forward Steve Tolongs was a powerhouse while Wade King was, well, Wade King, ever pumping the ball forward. It was all discipline, tackling and pressure as Murrumbeena put the previous mixed performance against Clayton behind it. Tom McDonald, Alex Bongiorno and company shone in defence. Tom Rigby snuck down from defence, again, for two goals. Can anyone lipread what the Ashwood forward was saying to Rigby upon his return to defence after one goal? Rigby looked amused.
Coach Liam Wilson, after the game, paid tribute to players, game officials and volunteers before dashing off to babysit. A well- rounded character, our coach.
WOMEN
Murrumbeena FNC women’s 2022 season ended against Endeavour Hills in the division 1 preliminary final. The Lions squared the first quarter with effort and commitment but EH took control thereafter, winning 4.7 to 0.3. Emma Morison was defiant in defence and Murrumbeena’s best player. Her front-on tackle of a seemingly shocked opponent was memorable, particularly with its capture in pictures. Captain Lily Brown also set standards in the backline, proving resilient from the game’s opening minutes. Other best players were Ally and Tess Williams, Paulina Tragarz and Grace Bibby. Unbroken by the loss, team members laughed and cheered in the packed change rooms afterwards, as female bonding took off again.
RESERVES
MFNC made the division 3 Reserves top four despite a narrow loss to Ashwood. Final score was 8.5 to 6.7, but the Beena effort was strong and it will get another crack at Ashwood in the finals.
U/19s
Evan Dib’s swansong as a coach of four under-age Murrumbeena FNC teams in recent years was the story of the under-19s.
Bentleigh Blue took control early and won 20.8 to 8.8.
Beena goals came from Mitch Simmons (four) and Tom MacFarlane (three) and James Craig.
Riley Brkic gathered a heap of possessions and played on single-mindedly.
Note two eligible players of the Dib-coached 2022 under-19s team, Tysen Nguyen and Duncan Gardiner, played for Beena seniors in the afternoon.
James Ganas was the latest under-17 player to taste under-19s and was impressive.
The club will enjoy seeing players move beyond under-17s. Graduating under-19s, all the best in your senior footy or alternate pursuits.