By Callum Ludwig
Wandin hosted Woori Yallock in a thrilling Premier Division Anzac Day clash, with the Tigers running out 16-point victors in the seniors.
Crowds flocked to the match on the public holiday, packing out the Wandin grandstand for the 2pm Anzac service conducted by Lilydale RSL prior to the seniors game at 2.30.
Both sides wore dedicated Anzac Day guernseys, with Wandin’s kit sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wandin.
The day’s football began with a tight game in the Reserves, Wandin prevailing by a mere 3 points, 7.9, 51 to 6.12, 48.
Wandin’s best were Samuel Hodgett, Tyson Smith, Jarrad Glenn, Tom Page and Daniel Bailey while Woori’s were Mitchell Anderson, Angus Smith, Marcello Pisano, Adam Miles, Chris Beattie and Jack Bishop.
Into the senior’s, and it was a high intensity, high-scoring affair with 37 goals kicked between the two sides. The intensity clearly took its toll on the players, with Woori Yallock down to 1 player on the bench after three players were injured in the first quarter.
Wandin trailed for all of the first half before a strong 5 goal to 1 third term left them with their noses in front, 7 points ahead. They couldn’t retain their momentum, however, and Woori Yallock just about had the edge in the final term kicking 7 goals to 4, the final score 18.10, 118 to 19.20, 134.
Woori Yallock’s Zach Monkhorst was undoubtedly best on ground for the day, with the son of former AFL star Damian kicking 10 goals, and was supported by Kane Thompson, Luke Boontjes, Liam Odea, Nick Mende and Jason Lindgren.
Clinton Johnson, Chayce Black, Patty Bruzzese, John Ladner, Patrick Hodgett and Daniel Hirst were the best for the Dogs.
Wandin dominated netball, with wins across all grades.
In the 17’s, C grade and B grade, Wandin smashed Woori Yallock 64 to 1, 60 to 13, and 65 to 21 respectively.
However, it was a much tighter affair, the Dogs only prevailing after overturning their 2 point deficit at the final change to win 48 to 45.
Best players were as follows:
17’s: Ava Upton, Abby Akers, Brigitte Rice for Wandin and Amae Heath, Sienna Finger for Woori
C Grade: Lahni McKenzie, Liana Baker, Emma Forrest for Wandin and Holly Gray, Cassidy McInnes, Leah Haag for Woori
B Grade: Chelsea Alderman, Aprile Fregon, Kailah Meager for Wandin and Allie Cuancio, Lucy Kimpton, Leah Haag for Woori
A Grade: Kali Dolphin, Ruby Tidd, Abby Gedge for Wandin and Mia Sudomirski, Jacquelyn Carroll, Kyah Kimpton for Woori
Wandin Football Netball Club expressed their thanks on Facebook to Bill Dobsen and the Lilydale RSL team (incl. Bugler Tom Steele) for conducting the Anzac Day the service, Bridget Vallence MP for her welcome, Anthony Gerace for performing our National Anthem and Aunty Joy Murphy for her welcome to country as well as their gratitude for the volunteer efforts of Nick and Paul Dobie, Bernard Hinds, Mick Dawson and his team in canteen, Nathan Wheelan, Mick and Deb Fowkes, Rob Huggins, Mel Lang and more.
