MUSTANG VFL ACTION

Several Senior Mustangs in action with VFL Teams this Preseason

There was plenty of Mooroolbark representation action over the weekend including 11 Senior players involved in Box Hill's intraclub match sim. Cayden Maki (former Box Hill Hawk and Footscray Bulldog), Kane Noonan (former Coburg Lion), Robbie Swan, Rhys Crossley, Ethan Wright, Harri Keeling, Jackson Gilbee, Sam Gebert, Connor Riley, Aaron Beddoes and Josh Neal joined Jye Peacock at Waverley Park on Thursday night for Box Hill's season preparation. Wright, Gebert and Maki all kicking goals in the hotly contested matchup as the heavens opened up giving the boys a taste of wet weather footy during the summer.

Saturday afternoon Footscray took on Essendon at Whitten Oval, a preseason matchup that payed respects to the late Essendon VFL Coach Dale Tapping and the 100th Anniversary of the Championship of Victoria that took place between both teams before Footscray entered the VFL.

Jarrod Gilbee was named for the Footscray side while Lachie Monteath was named for Essendon's outfit. Gilbee, playing down back, drew several free kicks and impacted a number of inside 50's by the Dons mirroring his performances in 2024 that saw him included in 18 games including the Preliminary Final against Southport. Monteath battled in the ruck against AFL listed Lachie Smith whilst also resting up forward against Gilbee in the second half. Both Mustangs having a profound impact when involved in the play. The Bulldogs defeated Essendon by 20.

Sunday afternoon Richmond VFL held their Family Day and intraclub match at Punt Road Oval. The first hitout for new Tiger, Jak Ryan, as he joins Mustang teammate Liam George at Richmond. Light showers throughout the day didn't stop either from showcasing their abilities to the newly appointed VFL coaching staff. George was an important part of Richmond's list last year with the AFL team being stretched for players due to injury and retirements.

In total we boast 6 VFL listed players with 5 different teams. Here is the full list of Mustangs representing Mooroolbark at VFL level in 2025:

Liam George returns to Punt Road for the second year. Debuting in Round 2 against Sydney he notched up 18 games for the Tigers with his career best game coming in Round 14 against Carlton with 24 disposals and 2 goals.

Jye Peacock stays with Box Hill for another season after making his VFL debut in Round 9 against Brisbane at Box Hill City Oval. Jye had an incredible year with the Mustangs averaging 112 Ranking points and 24 disposals per game. Keen to sport the brown and gold more in 2025, he will go between VFL and EFNL duties throughout the year.

Jarrod Gilbee has signed for his 5th season at Footscray. He's played 34 games for the Dogs, 18 of which coming in 2024. Gilbee was an important part of our outfit that took us to the Division 1 Grand Final in 2022, he's only been available for 7 games since then due to injury and his incredible rise becoming a mainstay in the Footscray 23.

Lachie Monteath commits to Essendon full time in 2025 after juggling Eastern Ranges and Mooroolbark duties in 2024. Lachie appeared in 1 game for the Bombers in 2024 against an NTFL Representative side at the beginning of the year before completing his year as a key part of the Eastern Ranges team.

Jett Hartman was the first to make a move throughout this off season, having played for Collingwood in 2024. Jett played in 5 games for the Magpies and is now on the move to the Frankston Dolphins this preseason in the hopes of better opportunity. He averaged 121 Ranking points and 21 disposals with the Mustangs being an important piece in an under pressure backline.

The newest Mustang Jak Ryan has made the jump from Eastern Ranges to Richmond's VFL side in the offseason. Ryan was electric for the Ranges last year kicking 19 goals in a stacked team that featured Mustang Lachie Monteath, Andrew Barker, AFL draftee Cody Anderson, Josh Smillie and Christian Moraes. Jak finished in the best on ground 8 times in 16 appearances.

Our season begins on April 5th against Norwood @ Heights Reserve.