Roos make Premier Division statement against Hawks

By Josh Ward.

East Ringwood have sent a powerful message to the EFNL Premier Division of what they’re capable of after defeating a weakened Rowville by 62 points at Seebeck Oval.

Paul Griffiths squad put together one of, if not its best performance of season 2026, keeping Rowville to 4.7 (31) whilst kicking 13.13 (91) themselves.

The game came to an early ending, with star forward Mav Taylor suffering a severe leg injury which resulted in an ambulance coming to the ground.

It put an end to a Roos rampage at Seebeck, highlighted by their midfield who provided plenty of drive throughout the day.

James Belo starred in his 150th senior game with East Ringwood. Whilst he may’ve only had 17 disposals and five clearances he created plenty of opportunity from stoppages for the Roos.

Josh and Connor Weightman were also excellent once again alongside forward duo Josh Fox and Jamie Gilchrist.

Fox and Gilchrist combined for six goals from just 21 disposals, with the latter a late inclusion for Steven May.

For the Hawks, Tyler Edwards once again shone in midfield, collecting a game high 34 disposals as well as 13 contested possessions.

Nik Schoenmakers was solid in ruck with 15 disposals and 48 hitouts while Tyson Sruk had a strong return from VFL, collecting 25 disposals, nine clearances and a game-high 14 contested possessions.

The Hawks were under pressure from the outset, with the Roos gaining the early territory and  ascendancy in midfield.

After initially kicking four straight behinds they eventually capitalised, kicking five goals to one from the 12 minute mark to quickly dash out to a 28-point quarter time lead.

Rowville then stabilised as they aimed to build on the momentum they were able to slightly gain late in the opening term.

But they too failed to exploit the small bit of momentum they had gained, eventually succumbing to the Roos who kicked two goals to one to end the half.

With a 29-point lead that felt like more, the Roos quickly extended it to 35 points inside the first minute of the second half.

After Edwards responded for Rowville the Roos started to make another move, kicking three unanswered goals, as well as four behinds, to head into the final break up by 49 points.

They once again were quick to extend that advantage out to 55 points early in the last, this time kicking the first goal of the term four minutes into it.

East Ringwood then added another later in the term as the game started to peter out, eventually coming to an abrupt and unfortunate ending.

The Roos now move three games clear atop the Premier Division table, all but locking up a second minor premiership in the past three years with Saturday’s win.

They welcome South Belgrave in their penultimate home game of the season whilst Rowville face a tricky task this weekend against Berwick at Edwin Flack Reserve.