Eastland 2025 Season Review | Mulgrave

By Ryan Long.

A third consecutive finals appearance for the Lions in a special year for the club, celebrating their centenary year.

Senior Men’s

Ladder Position: 4^th (9-1-8)

Leading Goalkicker: Austin Dean (39 Goals)

Summary:

A season full of highs and lows, Mulgrave qualified for their third consecutive finals series in Division Two.

It was a season to celebrate, the club’s centenary year placed the great history of the Mulgrave Football Club into the spotlight.

The Lions proved their best would stack up come September, their consistency however denied them the opportunity of a double chance and a real shot at taking out the flag this year.

Some major highlights to come out of the season included their centenary day at Mulgrave Reserve in Round Five against the Waverley Blues. Yet another tight encounter between the two rivals, the Lions party was spoilt by Waverley who secured a much-needed win in a shoot-out.

Also, a major milestone to celebrate was Matt Richards reaching 500 games with the Mulgrave Football Club as a player and coach. One of the most famous names in the history of the club, the side got up for him in a 20-point win over East Burwood.

Qualifying for finals, Mulgrave turned the tables on Heathmont after losing to the Jets twice during the Home and Away season. The Lions with a comfortable 29-point win in the Elimination Final, despite some very inaccurate kicking.

A week later they were bounced out of the finals by the eventual Division Two premiers.

Best Win: Round 13 – Mulgrave 15.13 103 def. Surrey Park 9.11 65 @ Surrey Park Reserve

As good as their finals win was, a 38-point win against premiership contender Surrey Park was one of the major highlights of Mulgrave’s year.

Away from home, Mulgrave took a massive scalp at the pointy end of the season.

The midfield brigade went to work, Tilyard, Gervasoni and Voulanas having 30, 29 and 29 disposals respectively.

Thomas McGowan played one of his best games of the season, 21 disposals to go with his bag of five goals.

Key Players:

Angus Gervasoni starred for the Lions in 2025, leading the division in disposals, the highest disposal average of 33.2 per game.

Star midfielder Connor Tilyard was recognised as not only a member of the Team of the Year but the captain of the side too. Hardworking, a fantastic leader and one of the best midfielders in the division, Tilyard’s resume continues to build, a fourth time selected in the Team of the Year.

Austin Dean was key up forward, 39 goals for the season, playing all 20 games this year. It’s a career best in the Seniors for Dean and he was rewarded with his first Team of the Year honours.

Dean was crucial particularly with Fletcher Roberts missing half the season due to injury and Bailey Thompson playing just the six games.

What's Next?

In what has become an incredibly even division, Mulgrave are still in the premiership window along with multiple other Division Two clubs.

Mulgrave have been busy announcing most of their re-signings.

They will be hoping they can have a better run on the injury front in 2026 and put together a strong consistent