U11 Mixed v Gembrook
Perfect conditions greeted the U11’s for their first home game against Gembrook, and what a display it was!
With some key players back from holidays, the pressure and teamwork were relentless from the first bounce. A full 4 quarter domination from the young superstars saw them run out 84 points to 0 winners. It was high 5’s all around, and a much-improved effort at singing the club song in the rooms after the win.
U12 Girls – Olinda vs Wesburn
On a perfect morning for footy, on the elevated stage that is the Olinda Green, the team put on a spectacular show. The Green had a carnival-like feel with spectators and stickybeaks being sucked into what was a spectacular display of teamwork. The end result was a draw, and how we got to this point took 4 quarters of bravery and skill. Lucy, Lili, Willow, Tahlia, Franky and Miranda made for a great team getting that centre clearance and Willow scoring the first goal in the first quarter and Lucy the point. The pressure put on by the forward line in the first half, led by Phoebe, Hazel, Ellie, Amelia, Ev, Indie and Edith kept that ball in our half for a majority. As the team moved into the 3rd and 4th quarter Wesburn scored to level with Olinda so it took the backline, led by Lara, Bella, Gracie, Miki and Josie to make sure they did not exceed our score. The result was a draw and the crowd was really going wild up on the beautiful Olinda Green. I could not have been prouder at how the team looked out for each other which contributed to that awesome pressure that was a constant during the game.
U13 Boys Red vs Yarra Glen
In what was a pretty awesome display, the lads firmly sent out a notice to the competition that they intend on being one of the tougher teams to beat in their completion. Coach Paddy had the following to say: “A really encouraging team performance by our Under 13’s on Sunday… The focus of the week was “Team Work” and it was great to see the players responding lowering their eyes, hitting up targets and bringing their teammates into the game. This resulted in an even spread of 9 goal kickers and a convincing 87 point victory. Hugo Fishburn had a great game with strong marks and 3 goals whilst Archie Green, Jarrah Bellemo, Ollie Haines and Nathaniel Johnston worked really hard around the ground.”
U13 Boys White vs Woori Yallock
With strong numbers through our U11 and U13 groups, this year the club has put together a U12 boys side to play in the second U13 division. It was all put together quickly once there was a good feel for playing numbers when the school holidays finished and the boys playing are loving the opportunity for more game time and more opportunity. The team is topped up by U11s and together, they really put on a great performance against Woori being 19 points up at halftime. The poor U11 players ran out of legs in the last quarter though, and couldn’t maintain their momentum to draw the game. It was a great first outing though and we look forward to seeing the team progress. Liam Eisenegger, Monty Garrett and Billy Brown all scored goals.
U14 Girls v Emerald
Topped up with some of the mighty Under 12s after their thrilling match, our U14 girls ran out onto Olinda Green for their first match of the season. Up against a fierce-looking competition in Emerald, the girls steeled themselves for the challenge ahead. Emerald was able to score early as the girls worked to find their defensive rhythm. As the game wore on, Olinda was able to slow the opposition’s scoring and win the more contested balls around the ground, led by the toughness of Lili Denovan. In the third and final quarter, our linking possessions started from deep in defence and saw the team move the ball quickly into the forward line to generate scoring opportunities. In the last, Frankie Enquist looked as dangerous as Eddie Betts with some dash and flair with her shots on goal. Lucy Cremean marked and goaled from her set shot. Tahlia Dawson’s marking in defence was rock solid and a highlight for the vocal crowd on the sidelines. Skipper Lola Gardner led from the front keeping the girls motivated when the going was tough in the first half of the game. The girls were able to win the last quarter and demonstrated that they will have a great year!!
U15 Boys v Healesville
The U15 boys continue to look really strong as they build as a cohesive unit. A few new recruits to the team have provided some strength and goal-scoring potential and that was on show on Sunday. Tom Ford played a cracking captain’s game and scored 3 goals. Aden Bates was strong throughout midfield with hard running to score 4 goals. Coach Cam was impressed with the footy played and commented that he’s got the best seat in the hose to watch the boys go about their craft. Credit to Rio and River for helping out Healesville with numbers and chipping in to score a couple of goals.
U17 boys vs Gembrook
Perfect conditions for footy greeted the players on Sunday afternoon. Up against Gembrook, the boys put on a mighty display of team football to come away with a massive win. The team showed continual improvement during the game. It was great to see the boys embrace the team-first mantra with every member of the team contributing to the win. Well done boys.
