The mighty U10 team travelled out to Wesburn for their lightning premiership on a misty and rainy Sunday morning. The boys and girls braved the conditions and all comers to head into the last game undefeated against the also undefeated Mt Evelyn side. In what would be the clash of the U10 powerhouse clubs, an epic battle loomed. Conditions were tough and Mt Ev took advantage of the downhill end, but couldn’t consolidate on the scoreboard with 3 points to halftime. Coach Ben rallied the team at halftime with some inspirational words about Bloods footy and how we loved the rain and wet conditions and the players came out after halftime with renewed vigour.
An early goal gave the Young Bloods the lead but Mt Ev fought back, peppering the goals but failing to capitalise. A late goal sealed the deal and the Young Bloods ran away with a solid victory, Lightning Premiers! As Coach Ben said after the game, “The whole day was awesome… from our setup to our players and then our parents who are always such great supporters. The players were so proud to be playing for our jumper today”.
Well done Ben and the team – you legends!
The U11s continued their winning ways on Sunday with a strong 79-point win over Wandin. Coach Stuart was really happy with the team’s efforts, especially missing the U10 boys that usually play up. Ollie Wilford, after being crook for the week, was given light duties for the week in the forward line, rather than roaming the middle, and duly snagged a bag of 6 goals. Jack Ford also managed to kick a couple. They head into the bye with their heads held high.
The U12 Girls headed out to Healesville to test their wares. With some extra training during the week, they were fired up and ready to go. In what was a much more even contest than last time they played, they managed to restrict Healesville to a goal a quarter of the first three quarters. The girls had repeated forward entries and played some great link-up footy. They really took a step forward this week with players like Tahlia Dawson, Willow-rose Gordon, Bea Edge and Stella Dunstan having an enormous impact around the ground. Reagan Seamer barely lost a ruck contest all day against her more fancied opponent. Great effort girls!
The U13 boys continued their winning ways having not lost since their re-grading. Senior player Matt Scharenberg came down at the request of the boys to do running duties for the day, possibly also looking to get amongst a win (sorry Shep – had to). The boys loved having him there, especially the Collingwood fans, and it was great for morale – thanks for helping out Shep. Coach Spida said the boys played really well in an even performance. He swung the magnets around a little to get some players opportunities in new positions and goal scoring was evenly spread amongst the players with 10 goal scorers! Well done boys!
The U15 boys headed out to Healesville to take on the ladder leaders minus 5 of their better, bigger-bodied players. It was always going to be a tough ask but Coach Scotty was happy with their efforts and thinks playing against sides of that calibre will only help them learn and develop their game.
The U16 girls took on Wandin at Wandin in pretty trying conditions and put together their best game of the season so far! Their ball movement was crisp and fast, something Coach Claire has been trying to re-enforce this week, as the girls used space to avoid congestion. They had multiple goal scorers in a really pleasing all round effort, power forward Nikayla Seamer rounding off a good weekend for the Seamer sisters with 2 goals.
The U17 boys also took on Wandin after the girls and they also played really well in trying conditions. The last time these teams met, it was a fiery encounter that was decided in the last kick. This time, however, the Young Blood was able to apply some early scoreboard pressure to get a break. Given the conditions, the game was played at high intensity and with high skill. Quinn Forward shook off a bruising encounter and Ned Ford kicked a bag of 4 in a great game. Isaac Tonkin moved with more freedom than last week and generated play across the ground whilst Luca Smith’s aerial work continues to be high-class. Rylan Kay impressed the coaches as did Liam Smith. The team are starting to really gel as we get to the business end of the season.
