Make no mistake about it, the title is fitting. The 17-year-old is still young enough to play in AFL Canberra's Rising Stars competition.

But instead of running around with his mates from junior football in an under 18s competition, Monaghan is primed to play a key role in the AFL Canberra first grade finals.

Monaghan played a starring role as the Magpies crushed the Tuggeranong Hawks with a stellar 21.19 (145) to 7.5 (47) win at Kippax Oval on Saturday.

The teenage forward burst onto the scene this season and is set to play a key role in Belconnen's push to end their title drought this season.

Magpies player-coach James Bennett has always been a strong advocate for nurturing club juniors and believes it is the answer to closing the gulf in AFL Canberra's top grade.

"Max is a 17-year-old kid who had a really strong game last week, and backed it up again this week," Bennett said.

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"We needed this win on the board before finals, we only have two weeks left so we need to build some momentum and get rolling."

While it was Monaghan running riot in the forward line, a Magpies star that made his name there made his long-awaited return to the top grade.

Chris York was named to line up across half back having overcome niggling hamstring injuries right in time for the run to the finals.

The Hawks matched it with the competition heavyweights in the opening term in their bid to climb off the bottom of the AFL Canberra ladder.

But any hope of a shock upset was quickly doused as Beau Walker and Lexie Bennett booted six goals apiece to help Belconnen cruise to a 98-point triumph.

Tuggeranong coach Peter Ashcroft has already set his sights on next season as he looks to build the Hawks from the ground up.

"We are just taking all the positives from the game, and building them up for next year," Ashcroft said.

"We need to dig in and work on our strengths, structure and game play."

AT A GLANCE

AFL Canberra round 13

QUEANBEYAN TIGERS 16.13 (109) bt EASTLAKE DEMONS 6.11 (47)

BELCONNEN MAGPIES 21.19 (145) bt TUGGERANONG HAWKS 7.5 (47)

Sunday: Gungahlin Jets v Ainslie Tricolours at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, 1.15pm.