Ringwood Mazda 2026 Season Review | Mulgrave
By Christopher Kourtis.
Injuries held Mulgrave back from what could’ve been a special season, but the Lions still made a good account of themselves.
Summary:
Ladder position: 3rd (12-6, 116.65%)
Best and Fairest: Riley Voulanas
Leading goal kicker: Fletcher Roberts (53 goals)
Mulgrave fought through key injuries to finish third in Division Two from the 2026 season.
The Lions started off strong, picking up four wins in their first five games. Losing star midfielder Angus Gervasoni soon after, the side did well to continue their form on their way to twelve wins in the Home and Away season.
A nineteen-point win over eventual premiers Surrey Park in Round 16 helped secure a double chance, yet it wasn’t to be from there. An injury to Connor Tilyard in Round 17 proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Mulgrave lost to Templestowe (Qualifying Final) and the Waverley Blues (Semi Final 1) by a combined 108 points, bringing their season to an end.
Best win: Round 16 – Surrey Park 10.12-72 def. by 13.13-91 Mulgrave @ Surrey Park
Mulgrave were up against it early against league-leaders Surrey Park. Having lost by 61 points their first meeting, the visitors trailed by six after the first quarter.
Matt Richards’ quarter-time address must’ve been one for the ages as his side kicked 48 points in the second term, including six of the last seven goals.
Leading by 29 at the final break, Mulgrave held on to walk out nineteen-point winners.
Griffin James was best on ground as Fletcher Roberts led all comers with four goals. Josh Parker was a key ball mover, recording 37 disposals and twelve clearances.
Key players:
Connor Tilyard stepped up in a big way, named the Team of the Year captain. The midfielder also won the Division Two Best and Fairest award (Paul Edie Medal), averaging 26 disposals, eight clearances, seven score involvements and a goal a game.
Fletcher Roberts was his usual self, kicking 53 goals to finish just two shy of the league goal kicking award. As a Team of the Year full-forward, Roberts averaged just shy of three goals a game.
Riley Voulanas was a major ball winner for Mulgrave. One of the Team of the Year wingers, Voulanas went at 30 disposals and six score involvements a game to be named club best and fairest.
What’s next?
Mulgrave would love to bank on a clean bill of health in 2027, but Matt Richards knows that isn’t something to rely on.
The club have already announced plenty of re-signings. Amongst those returning to Mulgrave Reserve are Riley Voulanas, Connor Tilyard, Angus Gervasoni and Josh Parker.
Some more experience would be nice to add to the side after seeing how much of an impact Fletcher Roberts has had in recent years.
The Lions could also look to top up their list with some of their reserves players, who are coming off a premiership win.
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