GEMBROOKCockatoo took on ladder leader Monbulk at Gembrook in perfect conditions in front of a big crowd to celebrate Gembrook’s centenary.
The buildup to the match was similar to a grand final with passionate speeches being delivered by coach Mat O’Neil and club legend and team of the century member Harold Ramage before the game. The Brookers were wearing replicas of one of the club’s original jumpers.
From the first bounce Gembrook’s intensity, tackling and pressure had the classy Monbulk outfit fumbling while the Brookers moved the ball well into a well constructed forward line with Andrew Shipp and Brett Andrews as key targets, but Ian Litterbach’s snap for goal thrilled the large crowd. Craig Clarke, O’Neil and Shannon Richardson were on top in the midfield while Gembrook’s back line was holding strong. Then a barrage of six goals in six minutes took Monbulk to a ninepoint lead into the first break.
Monbulk took advantage of a slight breeze at the start of the second quarter and opened a fivegoal break before Clarke led a revival with a magnificent long running goal that ignited the home side. With O’Neil and Richardson winning the centre clearances and Glenn Penglase, Tristan Whytcross and Paul Mackenzie lifting, the Brookers clawed their way back with goals by Shipp and Damian Smethurst, reducing the margin to 18 points at halftime.
Gembrook had managed to gain momentum at the end of the second half and the Brookers’ attack turned the third quarter into a thrilling affair. Goals by Shipp, Travis Bartin and Jarrod Matthews took the Brookers into the lead before Monbulk answered in the closing minutes of the quarter to give the Hawks a fivepoint lead at the last change. Gembrook’s inaccuracy was costly and the Brookers outplayed Monbulk but could only manage 4.6 for the quarter, keeping the Hawks in the game. An almighty upset looked possible.
The last quarter started well for the home side, the Brookers continuing to hold the advantage over Monbulk, but three missed opportunities in the opening 15 minutes hurt the home side. Then Monbulk put on a burst that broke the courageous Brookers and slammed on eight goals. Gembrook did not give up, hitting back with late majors, the last being to veteran and 300game player Steve Pantorno providing a fitting end.
Although Monbulk ran out 41point winners in the end, the game was much tighter than the scores reflected. “We were fantastic today, our work rate, pressure, tackling and commitment was first rate,” O’Neill said. “We controlled the game for a lot of the day, the third quarter was costly for us with six missed opportunities, while to miss the first three shots on goal at the start of the last quarter also hurt. Monbulk are the best team in the competition by far, and in the end their tall timber and class prevailed.”
The Brookers’ leaders Clarke, O’Neil, Shipp and Richardson stood tall while Whytcross and Penglase were good. Overall the team played well, everyone contributing in a good performance that the club could be proud of.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 13.11.89 lost to Monbulk 19.16.130.
Goals: Andrew Shipp 4, Brett Andrews, Jarrod Matthews 2, Glenn Penglase, Travis Barton, Ian Litterbach, Craig Clarke, Damian Smethurst, Steve Pantorno 1.
Best: Craig Clarke, Mat O’Neill, Andrew Shipp, Shannon Richardson, Glenn Penglase, Tristan Whytcross.
RESERVES
From the centre bounce a determined Monbulk put pressure on the Brookers.
The return of Dean Hester provided the Brookers a target up forward but inaccurate kicking allowed the Hawks to lead at quartertime.
Nathan Kruzicevic was playing well and Steve Goodie on the halfforward flank was providing plenty of options.
In a physical second quarter lapses in concentration allowed the Hawks more easy goals. Again inaccurate kicking cost the Brookers. Dean Allcott was playing well on the ball, Nathan Kruzicevic continued his great form and Nathan Thomas did a great job.
In the third quarter Chris Bourne moved into the ruck and clearly dominated from the outset. The Brookers’ tackle count increased but small errors mean the Brookers were six goals down at the final break. Dave Hamilton, Harry Chernishoff and Ben Nichol were playing well and the Osseweyers were back in form.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 7.9.51 lost to Monbulk 17.7.109.
Goals: Dean Allcott 2, Dean Hester, Steve Goodie. Ryan Thomas, Mitch Evans, Dave Hamilton 1.
Best: Nathan Kruzicevic, Harry Chernishoff, Dean Allcott, Chris Bourne.
UNDER 18
Monbulk jumped the Brookers and took the lead early but the Brookers fought back and gradually narrowed the margin.
In perhaps their best performance for the year the Brookers played a huge last quarter that was a credit to the entire team and they came out inspired to run over the Hawks.
It was the first comeback victory for the year and augured well for the team’s finals onslaught.
Scores: GembrookCockatoo 11.7.73 d Monbulk 9.11.65.
