Mulwala 1.2, 5.6, 8.10, 12.12 (84) def Numurkah 1.6, 1.8, 2.10, 3.11 (29)
Goals: Mulwala: M. Kunigiskis 3, S. Robinson 3, T. Dow 2, L. Rouel 1, D. Flanagan 1, Z. Scott 1, B. Seymour 1. Numurkah: M. Price 1, C. Lester 1, M. Reeves 1,
Best: Mulwala: D. McNamara, W. Cookson, O. Elliott, O. Conway, K. Tyson, A. Rouel. Numurkah: B. Smyth, X. Thorp, M. Pedretti, M. Price, M. Reeves, J. O'Dwyer.
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The Mulwala Lions’ seniors stunned a highly fancied Numurkah outfit with a commanding four-quarter performance, defying expectations to secure an impressive victory in Round 3 of the 2026 Murray Football Netball League season.
Heading into the clash as underdogs, Mulwala faced a Numurkah side brimming with confidence after two strong early-season wins, including a statement victory over reigning premiers Cobram. However, it was Mulwala who set the tone early through Mitchell Kunigiskis, who opened the scoring with an accurate kick.
Despite Numurkah controlling much of the play in the opening term, they struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard. Mulwala remained within striking distance at the first break, trailing by just four points, 1.6 (12) to 1.6 (8).
The second quarter proved decisive, as Mulwala took full advantage of the breeze to wrestle control of the game. With improved efficiency in front of goal and strong ball movement, they surged to a handy lead by halftime, 5.6 (36) to 1.8 (14).
From there, Mulwala continued to dominate across the ground, particularly around the stoppages.
Big men Owen Conway and Brodie Tyson gave their midfielders first use, with William Cookson and Oscar Elliot capitalising on the service to drive the ball forward repeatedly.
Defensively, Mulwala stood tall, with Dylan McNamara and Adam Rouel providing strong resistance and limiting Numurkah’s scoring opportunities.
A yellow card issued to the Numurkah bench late in the third term reflected the mounting frustration of the visitors as Mulwala tightened its grip on the contest.
The home side ran out convincing winners, 12.12 (84) to 3.11 (29), in a performance that highlighted both discipline and depth.
William Cookson was again a standout, breaking lines and providing drive every time he touched the ball, while Lachlan Rouel celebrated his 100-game milestone in style, pushing forward to hit the scoreboard with a major.
The result marks a significant statement from Mulwala, signalling they will be a force to reckon with this season.
Reserves
Mulwala: 1.0, 2.2, 3.2, 3.3 (21) def by Numurkah: 3.3, 5.3, 8.6, 10.9 (69)
Goals: Mulwala: B. Sissons 2, C. Oneill 1. Best: Mulwala: R. Mitchell, L. Dwyer, B. Johnson, B. Sissons, J. Ledger, A. Heslin.
The Mulwala Lions Reserves did plenty right but struggled to convert on the scoreboard. Despite strong ball movement and plenty of possession, they were unable to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal.
Numurkah took an early lead and steadily extended it, running out comfortable winners.
Beau Sissons provided a spark with two goals, while Chris O’Neil added another. In defence, Riley Mitchell stood strong repelling attacks, while Lockie Dwyer and Hunter Lonergan racked up kilometres working tirelessly through the midfield. Brock Johnson competed hard in the ruck, Josh Ledger added run, and Angus Heslin presented well up forward.
Harley Cooper deserves a mention for backing up after a game in the thirds, clearly deciding one game of footy just wasn’t enough cardio for the day.
With eight new players in the side, there were plenty of positives to take away despite the result.
Awards: Declan Wood, Dylan Nicholson, Hunter Lonergan, Riley Mitchell, Brock Johnson, Lockie Dwyer.
Thirds
Report not submitted.
Mulwala: 4.4, 9.11, 11.14, 13.19 (97) def Numurkah: 1.0, 1.0, 1.4, 3.4 (22)
Goals: Mulwala U17s: H. Cooper 3, T. Parker 2, A. Richardson 2, B. Dodd 2, L. Purtle 1, S. O'bryan 1, N. Leith 1, M. Leith 1.
Best: Mulwala: M. Leith, T. Sanderson, S. O'bryan, T. Taylor, T. Woodhead, M. Smith.
Fourths
Mulwala: 2.0, 4.1, 8.4, 9.4 (58) def Numurkah: 1.3, 1.3, 5.3, 7.7 (49)
Goals: Mulwala: B. Ferguson 5, R. Leary 3, Z. Small 1.
Best: Mulwala: F. Mitchell, J. Stephens, R. Phillips, H. Cooper, R. Leith, J. Sage.
The focus for the day was sticking to zones, and it paid off in a strong team performance.
Finn Mitchell excelled across the ground, proving difficult to catch and consistently impacting contests.
Harrison Cooper showed great versatility, dominating in every role he was given, while Ben Ferguson was a key target up forward, creating pressure and proving hard to stop.
In defence, Reed McGlynn-Phillips, Jayden Stephens, and Ryder Leith showed grit and determination, attacking the ball hard and ensuring very little got through.
Overall, it was a complete team performance, with outstanding teamwork across the ground and a well-earned win.
Awards: Jayden Stephens, Harrison Cooper, Finn Mitchell, Ben Ferguson, Reed McGlynn-Phillips, Ryder Leith.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 63 def Numurkah 43
The A Grade Lions came out firing, producing a fantastic first quarter to establish a 10-goal lead at the first break.
No matter what changes or rotations were made, all nine Mulwala players won their contests and maintained control of the game.
In the final quarter, Numurkah rallied and reduced the margin slightly, but Mulwala held firm to record a convincing 20-goal victory.
Awards: Georgie Hemphill, Tess McNamara, Aide Templeton.
Goals: Adrienne Templeton 31 Stephanie Ferguson 30 Indianna Frauenfelder 2.
B Grade
Mulwala 57 def Numurkah 36
Report not submitted.
Goals: Emma- Jane Bond 32 Hollie McNamara 24 Mikyah Frauenfelder 1.
C Grade
Mulwala 54 def Numurkah 35
A slow start saw the team take time to find rhythm, with some positional changes requiring adjustment.
As the game progressed, connections improved across the court, intensity lifted, and teamwork strengthened.
The team finished strongly to secure a well-earned win.
C Reserve
Mulwala 30 def Numurkah 15
The Lions led from the start and worked hard to build their advantage throughout the game. It was a strong team performance, with all players contributing in their roles.
Annabel and Belle applied strong defensive pressure, while Jemma and Gracie worked hard in goals. Hannah, Daisy, Mim, Myley, and Marlie rotated through the midcourt, helping drive the team forward.
Awards: Annabel Hart, Jemma Riches, Jemima Bruce.
Under 17s
Mulwala 52 def Numurkah 22
A great performance from all players, with the team showcasing the skills developed at training.
Strong defensive pressure created numerous turnovers, allowing accurate shooters to convert consistently. A well-rounded team effort resulted in a convincing win.
Awards: Charli Taylor, Summer Ibbott, Ever McGlynn, Bonnie Cooper.
Under 15s
Mulwala 44 def Numurkah 15
The Under 15 girls delivered an outstanding performance at home, securing a dominant win.
The team maintained a steady and controlled flow throughout the game, showing composure even as the physicality increased. They controlled the contest from start to finish, turning pressure into momentum and finishing strongly.
Awards: Milla Cox, Phoenix Kennedy, Scarlett Kennedy.
Under 13s
Numurkah 30 def Mulwala 27
Mulwala faced Numurkah in a tightly contested clash, with both teams battling hard from start to finish.
Poppy Kirchen was outstanding in defence, applying constant pressure, while Alana Hehir played a key role in shutting down Numurkah’s wing attack, limiting her influence in the final quarter.
After losing their goal attack to an ankle injury in the second quarter and having no bench rotations available, the girls showed great resilience. They continued to move the ball well and remained competitive throughout, narrowly going down by three goals.
Awards: Addison Kirchen, Poppy Kirchen, Alana Hehir.
Under 11s
The Under 11 Blue team battled hard in both attack and defence, supporting each other well across the court.
Pippa was outstanding in every position she played, earning the MFNC $10 award. Grace made a strong return from holidays in her first game of the season, the little pocket rocket provided energy and options across the court.
Awards: Pippa Ibbott, Grace Hargreaves.