The traditional Professionals’ Cup clash between Wandin and Mt Evelyn didn’t disappoint in Round One of the 2024 AFL Outer East season as supporters were treated to a hard-fought contest at the Kennel.
The senior football game saw momentum swing both ways all day, with no side truly taking control of the match at any point.
Reigning premiers Wandin went into quarter-time with a two-point lead and only just held any advantage at the main break with the scores reading 6.6, 42 to 6.5, 41 at halftime in favour of the home side.
The Dogs managed to give themselves a slight cushion at the final change, holding a 17-point lead over their rivals but the Rovers weren’t done yet.
Inaccurate kicking plighted Wandin in the last quarter, going goalless and registering six behinds, but they held on in a close one as Mt Evelyn also only managed 2.5 for the quarter and went down 10.17, 77 to 10.11, 71.
The top Dogs on the day were Patty Bruzzese, Chayce Black, Samuel Hodgett, Todd Garner, Harrison van Duuren and Cody Hirst while the Rover’s best were Daimon Kift, Bayley Forbes, Ashley Gibbons, Matt Gordon, William Gordon and Matthew Gibbons.
Brodie Atkins, Clinton Johnson and Bruzzese each registered two majors for Wandin, with Aaron Mullett, Harrison Byrne, Jordan Jaworski and debutant Macauley Beckwith each snagging one.
Mt Evelyn’s goalkickers were Matt Godron with 3, Matthew Gibbons with 2 and Cooper Colee, Bailey Garbett, Jamie Shaw, Coby Smith and Kift with one apiece.
Other results:
Reserves Football: Wandin 9.10, 64 defeated Mt Evelyn 2.7, 19.
A Grade Netball: Wandin 55 defeated Mt Evelyn 45
B Grade Netball: Mt Evelyn 52 defeated Wandin 31
C Grade Netball: Wandin 29 defeated Mt Evelyn 18
D Grade Netball: Wandin 27 defeated Mt Evelyn 9
17 and Under Netball: Wandin 44 defeated Mt Evelyn 0
