Monbulk beat Wandin on Saturday 5 July in a shocking defeat that nobody saw coming at Wandin’s home ground.
The Hawks put an end to the Dogs’ 11 game undefeated run this season with a victory scoreline of 66-82, which will surely leave Monbulk feeling quite proud of themselves.
The first quarter was a close battle with Wandin kicking four goals to Monbulk’s two, which would’ve left the Dogs’ cautiously pushing for more in the second quarter.
But Monbulk turned up with an attitude and intensity that everyone in attendance wearing maroon and gold should be so proud of.
Heading into the second quarter, the Hawks were looking fierce, bringing with them a clear plan on how they could win.
Mullett kicked a goal to kick off the second, but after that Monbulk knuckled down and took control with four goals of their own, courtesy of Hervern, Spencer and Rak.
It put Monbulk in front with a scoreline of 41-36 at half time.
Wandin usually shifts gears in the later stages of the game, but this time it was Monbulk that put its foot to the gas.
Beecroft was outstanding on the ball, driving it forward every turn of play to feed it through to the forwards, while Lachlan Sheppard was dominant behind the ball feasting on Wandin’s poor ball use forward of centre.
Monbulk kept the pressure up and though Hodgett nabbed one for Wandin, it wasn’t enough to reconcile the lead the Hawks had established.
Coming into the fourth with a scoreline of 43-67, Wandin needed to make some action happen fast.
But two solid shots from Monbulk early on was all the Hawks needed.
Though Wandin continued on and managed to kick three more goals, it wasn’t enough to make up the margin. Final scoreline was 82-66.
How Wandin respond will be intriguing.
Monbulk’s best players were Robert Savory, Lachlan Sheppard, Lochlan Beecroft, Josh Wentworth, Campbell Evans and Adam Banks.
Wandin’s best players were Cayden Black, Chayce Black, Leiwyn Jones, Macauley Beckwith, Aaron Mullett and Todd Garner.
For the First Nations round, Wandin play Emerald at Emerald this weekend while Monbulk face off against Upwey at Monbulk.
