Deakin University 2025 Season Review | Mooroolbark

There were some promising signs from a young Mustangs senior men’s side in 2025 whilst its senior women’s and veteran sides had successful campaigns.

Senior Men’s

Ladder Position: 7th (5-11, 76.01%)

Leading Goalkicker: Sam Gebert (33 goals in 16 games)

Summary

A tough season for the young Mustangs in Division 1, finishing four games short of a finals berth in their only season under Ben Wheat.

Things started off promisingly with two wins from their opening four games before they went on a four-game losing streak between rounds six and nine.

They then replicated this run of form in the second half of the season, showing some promise, particularly in their Round 16 clash against Montrose.

The Mustangs then finished the season on a high with a thrilling, and shock, victory over finalist Boronia away from home.

Best Win: Round 18 - Mooroolbark 10.7 (67) defeated Boronia 9.10 (64) @ Miller Park

Can’t go past this win for the Mustangs, their first and only win of the season against a side outside of Norwood and Bayswater.

It was evenly poised in the opening half between the Mustangs and Hawks, with the former holding a one-point quarter time lead before extending that lead to five at the main break.

After conceding their lead at the final break they then fought tooth and nail in the last quarter to regain it by the final siren. As both sides traded late blows it was Jett Hartman who came up clutch, kicking a goal after the buzzer to seal a memorable win.

Hartman had a stellar performance, collecting 25 disposals, 19 kicks, 14 marks and nine one percenters for the match. Kane Noonan had 39 touches along with 11 tackles and nine clearances while Jackson Gilbee led the way in attack with three goals.

Key Players

Skipper Noonan put together another excellent season. Named in the best on 13 of 15 occasions, along with averaging more than 30 disposals and seven clearances per game, Noonan was named at Centre in the Division 1 Team of the Year.

Hartman joined him in the team after averaging more than 22 disposals, five one percenters, 10 marks and 16 kicks per game this past season.

In his first full season at Mooroolbark, Sam Gebert led the way in attack with 33 goals while Patrick Downie also had a solid first season at the Mustangs.

What’s Next?

More change continues to take place at Mooroolbark, with Ben Wheat departing after one season.

Stepping into the role is ex-Carlton and Adelaide player David Gallagher, bringing with him experience from MPFNL club Red Hill and VFL club Sandringham in their respective coaching regimes.

They haven’t lost too many notable names but have gained a bit, including ex-Brisbane Lion, plus Richmond VFL and Box Hill Hawk, Hugh Beasley joining as a playing assistant coach after winning a premiership with VAFA club Old Trinity.

Ex-Beaconsfield and Frankston VFL-listed ruck Harrison Coe has also designated Mooroolbark as his local club.

Whilst it’ll still be a relatively young list, their inclusions to date, as well as a new and experienced coach, could see them cause a few headaches next year in Division 1.

Senior Women’s

Ladder Position: 1st (9-1-2, 319.67%)

Leading Goalkicker: Danielle Carrucan (29 goals in 11 games)

Summary

Mooroolbark’s rapid rise up the EFNL women’s rank will continue after another stellar campaign, this time in Division 2.

Starting off with a thrilling draw against 2024 preliminary finalist Waverley Blues, the Mustangs then won their next three before drawing and losing to Montrose and Blackburn respectively.

Kerryn Ralph’s side then started to kick it up a notch following their loss to the Panthers, winning their final six games of the year by an average margin of 58 points to secure a third consecutive minor premiership.

After defeating the Burners in the qualifying final, they then met and defeated Montrose in the decider at Quambee Reserve to secure a historic threepeat.

Best Win: Grand Final - Mooroolbark 5.8 (38) defeated Montrose 2.1 (13) @ Quambee Reserve

History made with this victory for the Mustangs, which resulted in them becoming the first side in the EFNL Women’s Competition history to complete the premiership threepeat.

They made a promising start in this decider, kicking the only goal of the first term before a two goal to one second quarter saw them lead by 16 points at the main break.

Adding another two goals in the third to lead by a game-high 30 points, they then held on to win by a comfortable 25-points despite conceding the only goal of the last quarter.

Sarah Haberfield was excellent alongside Emma Beer while Aimee Freene and Bella McMaster also had solid performances.

Key Players

Haberfield compiled an excellent first season in midfield. Named in the best on 10 occasions, she was named at centre in the Division 2 Team of the Year.

Fellow new names Ella Brown and Danielle Carrucan joined her in the Team of the Year, with both combining for more than 40 goals this season.

Emma Beer and Bella McMaster were also named in the Team. McMaster was named in the best in 12 of 14 matches, on top of kicking 14 goals, while Beer was named in the best in seven matches.

What’s Next?

Division 1 footy now awaits the Mustangs in the senior women’s competition having only been in Division 4 just over two years ago.

Kerryn Ralph is set for a fourth season at the helm having guided the side to their three consecutive flags.

Retention will once again be key for the Mustangs as they climb into another division, with no re-signings or signings announced as of yet.

Whilst it’ll be a whole new ball game entering into Division 1 next year, the Mustangs will enter the competition full of momentum and confidence.

Veteran’s

Veteran Men’s

Ladder Position: 1st (9-0)

A highly successful first season for the Mustangs in the Veteran Men’s competition, going through the regular season undefeated and making a grand final.

They started off strongly with a big victory over Chirnside Park before comfortably defeating their remaining opposition.

Defeating the 2024 runners up Waverley Blues by 11 goals in their semi final, they then fell 47 points short of reigning premiers North Ringwood in the decider at H.E. Parker Reserve.

Michael Cardamone had an excellent season in attack with 22 goals from nine appearances while familiar Mooroolbark names in Jeremy Neumann and Matthew Polkinghorne were also consistent contributors.

Veteran Women’s

Ladder Position: 4th (5-3)

Another strong season for the Mustangs veteran women’s side, making a fourth consecutive finals appearance.

It was a promising start for the side with two wins from their opening two games, including against eventual premiers Blackburn before dropping their next two games to Chirnside Park and the Burners.

Winning their final three games against South Belgrave, Belgrave and Boronia, they then went down to the Saints in their Semi Final meeting by 17 points, a result which ended their season.

Allison Mitchell, Lauren Gledhill and Tania Hoare all had excellent seasons in attack, with all three finishing on 10 goals each this past season.