MOOROOLBARK
FOOTBALL CLUB

SAM MITCHELL

Mooroolbark Junior FC

Sam Mitchell played for Eastern Ranges before joining Box Hill, where he won a premiership in 2001. Drafted by Hawthorn in 2001, he quickly established himself as a key midfielder, earning the 2003 AFL Rising Star award and later captaining the club to the 2008 premiership. A four-time premiership player, five-time club best and fairest winner, and Brownlow Medalist, Mitchell was one of Hawthorn’s most decorated players. After a brief playing stint with West Coast in 2017, he transitioned into coaching, first with the Eagles and then returning to Hawthorn. In 2021, he succeeded Alastair Clarkson as Hawthorn's senior coach, leading the team back to finals in 2024.

Cam Pederson

Mooroolbark Junior FC

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Cameron Pedersen began his football career with Mooroolbark before joining the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL, where he excelled in multiple positions. His strong performances led to his selection by North Melbourne in the 2011 rookie draft, where he made an impressive AFL debut. In 2013, he joined Melbourne, playing key roles as a forward and ruck. Under coach Paul Roos, he showcased his versatility and became a valuable team member. His standout season came in 2017, stepping up as a ruckman and delivering strong performances. Pedersen retired in 2018 after an accomplished AFL career spanning 80 games.

Heath Hocking

Mooroolbark Junior FC

Mooroolbark FC

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Heath Hocking was a tough midfielder who played for Essendon after being drafted in the 2006 rookie draft. Elevated to the senior list in 2007, he became a key player known for his strong defensive tagging role and relentless pressure on opponents. Hocking was a consistent contributor to the team, finishing second in Essendon’s best and fairest in 2010 and fifth in 2011. Over his career, he played 126 games. His dedication to the game and commitment to his team made him a respected figure at Essendon. In 2024, he was recognized as one of Essendon’s top 100 players since 1980.

Warren McKenzie​

Mooroolbark Junior FC

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Warren McKenzie was a versatile and talented utility for Carlton FC  and Sydney in the 80's and 90's. After being recruited from Mooroolbark, he progressed through Carlton’s Under-19s and Reserves before making his senior debut in 1985. McKenzie played 67 games for Carlton, highlighted by his key role in the club’s 1987 Premiership victory. A reliable and adaptable player, he excelled in various positions across the ground, making significant contributions in crucial matches. After the 1990 season, he was traded to Sydney, where he played 21 games over two seasons before continuing his career with Sandringham in the VFL.

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Geoff Hocking

Mooroolbark Junior FC

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Geoff Hocking was a versatile ruckman-defender who played for Carlton, making his senior debut in 1981. After developing through the Under-19 and Reserves teams, he became the first player to wear guernsey number 48 in a Premiership match for the club. Hocking contributed to Carlton’s strong playing list and earned recognition as a two-time Reserves Best Clubman. Following his time at Carlton, he continued his football journey with Claremont in WA, later playing in the ACT with Belconnen and in Victoria with Box Hill. He also took on a coaching role with Traralgon in the 1997 VFL season.

Danny Noonan

Mooroolbark FC

Noonan, originally from Mooroolbark, began his football journey with Carlton’s reserves before moving to Clarence in the TFL, where he won the club’s Best and Fairest award in 1990. He was recruited by Brisbane with a pre-draft selection that same year and made an immediate impact, collecting 31 disposals in his debut game. After three seasons in the AFL, he returned to Clarence, where he secured two more Best and Fairest awards and won back-to-back William Leitch Medals in 1995 and 1996. Noonan capped off his TFL career in style, delivering a standout performance in the 1997 Grand Final win against Burnie, earning the Darrel Baldock Medal.

Matt Bishop

Mooroolbark Junior FC

Matthew Bishop started out with the Melbourne Demons after being elevated from their rookie list in 1998, spending two seasons with the club before moving to Port Adelaide in 2000. He established himself as a reliable defender and was a key member of Port Adelaide’s 2004 AFL Premiership team. After playing 138 games for the club, he retired in 2006 and later returned in a football administration role. Serving as General Manager – SANFL, Bishop played an integral part in the club’s football restructure. 

Aaron Mullett

Mooroolbark Junior FC

Mooroolbark FC

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Aaron Mullett showcased his talent as a junior with the Mustangs before excelling at Eastern Ranges. Selected by North Melbourne with pick 34 in the 2011 AFL Rookie Draft, he earned a senior list promotion and made his AFL debut in Round 22 of the 2011 season against Fremantle, collecting 17 disposals. In 2013, he received a Rising Star nomination in Round 2 and recorded a career-high 31 disposals in Round 10. That same year, he was named in the AFL Players' Association's inaugural 22under22 team. After six seasons with North Melbourne, he joined Carlton in 2018, adding 13 more AFL games to his career.

Grace Baba

Mooroolbark Junior FC

Grace Baba was selected by the Hawthorn Football Club with Pick 28 in the 2024 AFLW Draft. Representing the Eastern Ranges in the Talent League, Baba showcased her athleticism and defensive prowess, notably excelling in the 2023 Grand Final as a bottom-age player. Her impressive performances earned her a spot in the 2024 AFL National Academy. Baba's exceptional athleticism was further highlighted at the Draft Combine, where she ranked first in the running vertical jump and third overall in the 2km time trial. Her selection by Hawthorn marks a significant milestone for Mooroolbark being the first Female Mustang to be drafted.