By Christopher Kourtis.
Mulgrave continued to improve in 2023, a strong finish to the year seeing the Lions qualify for finals for the first time in nine years.
Senior Men’s
Ladder position: 5th (10-8, 108.68%)
Best and Fairest: Connor Tilyard
Leading goal kicker: Adam Booth (52 goals)
Summary:
It was a season to be proud of for everyone down at Mulgrave as the Lions returned to winning form for the first time in years.
After a loss to East Burwood in their season opener, Mulgrave opened their account in Round 2 against the Basin, winning by 21 points.
The Lions looked shaky throughout the first half of the season, yet they came out of their Round 13 bye, firing on all cylinders. Wins against Templestowe, Ringwood and Upper Ferntree Gully opened a winning streak that was capped off with a triumphant performance against Heathmont, securing a finals berth with a game to spare.
When the two teams met again in the Elimination Final, Mulgrave weren’t able to repeat the result against the Jets. Accuracy issues were partly to blame for the end of the Lions’ season, kicking 8.14-62 in a 47-point loss.
Despite struggling against the teams above them, Mulgrave can find solace in a strong finish to the season.
Their first finals appearance since 2014 will provide great momentum to build upon in the future.
Key players:
Connor Tilyard was a shining light in Mulgrave’s 2023 season. Earning a spot in the Division Two Team of the Year, the young midfielder tore apart opposition teams with his ability to dominate the midfield, whilst also hitting the scoreboard. Tilyard’s 15 times in best earned him a second Tom Baines Memorial Trophy, becoming a multiple senior Best and Fairest winner.
Adam Booth was another pulverising figure in the Mulgrave lineup, keeping Tilyard company in the Division 2 Team of the Year. His 52 goals said everything that needed to be said about his 2023 season. Runner up in the league goal-kicking leaderboard, Booth was also the runner-up in the league Best and Fairest.
Fletcher Roberts also earned himself a spot in the Division 2 Team of the Year, being listed on the interchange despite his 44 goals throughout the season. Jaxon Gervasoni also proved important to the Lions, coming second in the club’s Best and Fairest.
Best win: Round 17 – Mulgrave 14.9-93 def. Heathmont 9.8-62)@ HE Parker Reserve
The summit of Mulgrave’s 2023 season came in just the second-last fixture of the regular season.
With confidence at an all-time high on the back of three consecutive wins, Heathmont stood in the way of Mulgrave and a finals berth. The Lions had struggled against opposition teams placed above them, only picking up one win against them prior to this game.
Mulgrave rode their wave of momentum throughout this match, leading at every major break. Like a well-drilled side, they got in front early and carried on, winning by 31 points.
Adam Booth kicked five goals, as Jordan Fallon and Griffin James picked up maximum best-on-ground votes for the Lions.
Off-season focus:
Mulgrave has shown steady progress over the past few seasons and they’ll look to do so again in this off-season.
The Lions will look to not only hold onto their core but also to add to it – and they’ve wasted no time in doing so.
Dual Best and Fairest winner Connor Tilyard is just one of many who has signed on for 2024. Among those is former Western Bulldog Lin Jong, who made a massive impact in his limited appearances for the club this season.
Mulgrave has looked externally and has added Bailey Thompson and Tom McGowan to the forward line, bolstering the power they have ahead of the footy. The Lions can also look internally for improvements, as reserve player Matt Wilson earned the league Best and Fairest this season.
Juniors
Mulgrave not only has a high-quality junior team but also sees great success in their junior affiliate club, Glen Waverley Rovers Junior Football Club.
Mulgrave’s 2nd Division U19.5 team finished fourth with a 9-7 record. After winning an Elimination Final against South Croydon and then a Semi Final against The Basin, the Lions fell agonisingly short in a four-point loss to Upper Ferntree Gully in the Preliminary Final. Andy Ganatsios finished runner-up in the league Best and Fairest.
The Glen Waverley Rovers finished first in U17.5B. After going through the regular season with a 9-3 record, the Rovers beat Knox twice in the finals to be crowned champions.
Glen Waverley also finished top of the table in the U16B competition. Despite a 12-2 record, the Rovers lost to Noble Park in their Semi-Final. Beating Heathmont in the Preliminary Final, Glen Waverley got their revenge against Noble Park in the Grand Final, winning by 40 points. Jake Czosnek was awarded the league Best and Fairest.
In U14B, Rover Mason Mastramanno won the league Best and Fairest.