By Tyler Lewis
Premierships aren’t won in May.
But Monbulk has certainly emerged as one almighty contender for when the premiership is there to be won.
Both the Hawks and Mt Evelyn went into the weekend yet to experience the sour taste of defeat in season 2021.
In dark conditions – gloomy enough that a yellow footy was used for the 2pm start – the Rovers shot out of the blocks, leading at quarter time and then at the main break.
But on the cusp of the main break, Hawks stars Taylor Joyce and Ashley Beck both got involved, kicking a succession of goals to trim the deficit down marginally.
The momentum appeared to have carried over the main break for the Hawks, coming out after half time to kick six unanswered goals to remain undefeated, 12.7 (79) to 8.8 (56).
In what is an extremely pleasing fact for the Hawks is the exquisite second half wasn’t off the boot of the regulars, with Joyce and Beck kicking just the one goal between them after half time.
There wasn’t much to write home about in the other fixtures, as the difference between the top and the bottom teams continues to deepen in the AFL Outer East competition.
Officer came back from its bye extremely fresh, simply flattening Healesville.
With a 98-point margin at the main break, the Roos sunk their teeth in, completing a full four quarters of football with a mammoth 32.18 (210) to 4.0 (24) percentage booster.
Jesse Longmuir slotted ten, while Matt Rogers kicked seven and Brent Maloney kicked five.
The Roos seemed to love the end it was kicking from in the second and fourth, slotting 12.3 and 11.6 in each of the quarters.
Emerald, meanwhile, did what it felt was necessary to get over the line against the newly established Berwick Springs Football Club.
The margin was just four goals at the final change, before the experience Emerald outfit surged away with the 15.19 (109) to 9.9 (63) win.
Patrick Chin had a great day out once again, booting half a dozen, while Nick Rattle was terrific for the losing side.
A Myles Wareham clinic has assisted in Gembrook Cockatoo going to four wins and one loss after four rounds.
Wareham was extraordinary in its clash against Belgrave, as the Brookers cruised to an 18.18 (126) to 9.5 (59) win.
The Brookers rattled home six goals to one in the opening term, setting the tone for the afternoon.
Wareham booted seven and was judged best afield.
In the upcoming week of Division 1 football, the tests for Monbulk continue, facing Emerald.
The Hawks also play Seville in the week after, meaning after this patch of football, Monbulk can really assert itself as the side to beat.
