Wandin have won the Outer East Football Netball League senior men’s Grand Final, beating Olinda-Ferny Creek in a dominant display.
Taking place at the Don Road Sporting Complex in Healesville, Both teams travelled out with legions of fans behind them.
The grand final promised a fierce contest, and for the first quarter it delivered.
Olinda’s precision ball movement forced Wandin to work hard, but it was Tom Merlino who opened proceedings with a brilliant snap from deep in the pocket that set the tone.
From there, the Bulldogs adjusted superbly.
Having struggled to break down Olinda’s short kick game in the second semifinal, Wandin lifted their pressure in the second term.
They tightened their defensive press, cut off options around the ball carrier, and generated the repeat forward half turnovers they had been searching for.
The shift was decisive—once Wandin got the game on their terms, they never looked back.
What followed was a 60 minute footballing masterclass from Aaron Mullett.
Thriving in the open spaces of the Don Road Sporting Complex, the Wandin spearhead put on a show, booting 10 goals and six behinds to claim best-on-ground honours.
His dominance gave Wandin constant scoreboard pressure, while his ability to finish from all angles broke Olinda’s spirit.
Joel Garner added his own touch of class, amassing 27 possessions and slotting six goals in a brilliant all-round performance.
Co-captain Cody Hirst epitomised Wandin’s ferocity with his relentless intensity.
The Black Brothers Cayden and Chayce, tasked with stopping Olinda midfielder Percy Highett were relentless in their role.
At the back, Daniel Willis was composed under pressure, and Pat Hodgett’s tireless running across the wide expanses of Healesville provided a vital link between defence and attack.
By the final siren, Wandin had powered to a thumping 91-point victory—22.13 (145) to 8.6 (54)—to seal the premiership in emphatic style.
It capped off a dream day for the club, with both A and C grade netball sides also lifting premiership trophies.
The celebrations back at Clegg Road reflected the magnitude of the achievement—three flags and one unforgettable night for the Bulldogs.
