The 2023 YJFL Season will come to a close for all competitions this Sunday 3 August with Grand Finals set to take place across multiple venues in an action packed day.
Ahead of the Grand Finals, the YJFL is previewing all the competitions to show which teams have made the Grand Final, where and when they'll be playing, previous matchups between the teams and how they got to the Grand Final.
Tuesday – U11/U12s Previews
The YJFL encourages all players, family, friends, supporters and more to attend Grand Finals on Sunday for what will be a fantastic day of football and celebration.
For those unable to attend, all matches will be filmed and will be available to watch via our Match Vision Portal in the days following the Grand Finals.
U11 Mixed Division 1 – Glen Iris vs Kew Comets – McDonnell Park 1 – 11:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Glen Iris | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 40 |
2nd | Kew Comets | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 36 |
Previous matchups:
Round 6 - Kew Comets 65 def. Glen Iris 1 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Round 10 - Glen Iris 78 def. Kew Comets 33 - Righetti Oval
Finals
Qualifying Final - Glen Iris 35 def. Kew Comets 22 - Righetti Oval
Preliminary Final - Kew Comets 65 def. Ashburton 29 - Warringal Park
Players to watch
Kew Comets
We have had a good share of quality performers throughout the team this year, and a number of players that have lifted to put on extraordinary performances on game day when we needed it. It is difficult to call out individual players however on Grand Final Day we will be hoping for a team that works together and plays their role.
Glen Iris - Season Summary
YJFL
Glen Iris made their way to the Grand Final after a strong season in which they dropped only one regular season game — a round six matchup against their Grand Final opponents at Victoria Park.
The Glen Iris side redeemed their early season loss against Kew, with wins in Round 10 and the Qualifying Final, to secure a spot in the Grand Final.
Kew Comets - Season Summary
Kylie Bancroft (Team Manager)
The Comets had a solid start to the year after a good preseason that saw the boys fit and ready to go. Round 1 was a strong performance whilst Round 2 was a bruising encounter against a determined Banyule outfit at Beverley Road Reserve. The boys had to tough it out and come from behind to get up by 2 points.
Round 3 was played on one of the wettest days of 2023. St James Park was covered in inches of water and the boys came away with a solid win. Round 4 and 5 saw comfortable wins prior to grading.
Round 6 we played Glen Iris W for the first time in the season and got the win at home however Round 7, 8, 9 and 10 the team struggled for numbers. With the help of both u10’s and u9’s we were able to field a team and achieve 2 wins and 2 losses.
Round 11, 12, 13 and 14 saw the team back to full strength and the boys achieved 4 impressive wins coming into finals.
Our Qualifying Final against Glen Iris W was a contest to the end, played at Righetti Oval. Glen Iris W played clean footy and came away with the win on the day by 13 points. We hoped to see them again in the Grand Final.
Our Preliminary Final against Ashburton Red was a tight match until three quarter time when we gained the ascendancy that saw us win by 36 points.
We got our wish and get to face off with Glen Iris W again on Grand Final Day … and as they say, the rest is to be written
U11 Mixed Division 2 – Ashburton vs Heidelberg – Camberwell Sportsground – 9:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Ashburton Black | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
3rd | Heidelberg | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
Previous matchups:
Round 8 - Ashburton 62 def. Heidelberg 61 - Burwood Reserve
Round 12 - Heidelberg 46 def. Ashburton 6 - Warringal Park
Finals
Elimination Final - Heidelberg 39 def. Parkside 1 - Macleod Park
Qualifying Final - Ashburton Black 53 def. Ashburton Green 29 - Burwood Reserve
Preliminary Final - Ashburton Green 19 def by. Heidelberg 65 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Players to watch
Heidelberg
A truly fantastic group of kids that we have worked hard on empowering to be their own leaders on field. Our positivity leaders (co-captains) Darragh & Max set the tone for workrate and encouragement of their team mates. This positivity has permeated right through the group to “push each other up the hill” when needed.
Ashburton - Season Summary
YJFL
Ashburton Black enjoyed a fantastic year in the U11 Mixed 2 Division winning 11 of their 14 Home-and-Away games.
In their first matchup with Heidelberg they won by the smallest of margins, but they were beaten in the following fixture against their Grand Final opponents.
Along with Ashburton Green, the team enjoyed sustained success finishing on top of the ladder, and they qualified for the Grand Final by defeating their clubmates in the Qualifying Final.
Heidelberg - Season Summary
Michael Finn (Coach)
We brought two U10s teams together at the start of the year for a total of 26 players.
Mike Finn has been with this group right from U8s, including zoom training sessions right through Covid. Gareth Flynn had one of the groups before Terry Mc Carthy took over. Upon merging TMac took the Assistant Coach role with newcomer and 17 year old Ronan McGriskin and Mike sharing the Head Coach/Runner role before Ronan took on the blue bib for game day and Mike the yellow bib. We have also had great support at training with Mark Trapani, Dave Perryman & Aaron Lambert helping out – all with plenty coaching experience.
Our TM is the fantastic Kate Coleman ably assisted by Brig Walker. And our super trainer is Maz Jeffery with Annie North as her back up.
We have our weekly Yellow Jersey for teamwork awarded by our boundary runner Matt Keenan. The Yellow Jersey represents the best team player on the day, the one who does all the small things & encourages their teammates. Matt is in prime position to award this, as being the boundary runner he can hear and see things that coaches may miss.
We as a group are looking forward to the Grand Final against a strong Ashburton team that we have had some great battles with over the season
U11 Mixed Division 3 – Camberwell vs Brunswick – Macleod Park – 9:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Camberwell | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
4th | Brunswick | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 26 |
Previous matchups:
Round 8 - Brunswick 31 def by. Camberwell 61 - Clifton Park West
Round 12 - Brunswick 8 def by. Camberwell 25 - Gillon Oval
Finals
Elimination Final - Fitzroy 28 def by. Brunswick 29 - Bulleen Park
Qualifying Final - Camberwell 48 def. Bulleen Temp 29 - Lynden Park
Preliminary Final - Bulleen Temp 14 def by. Brunswick 17 - Bulleen Park
Players to watch
Camberwell
We have a number of players to watch, but we know that victory is not achieved without all of our players contributing - so watch them all!
Brunswick
The great thing about the Brunswick Dragons is that you are never sure who is going to rise to the occasion on any given day. This has been a real strength of the way they have played all season. The team has had great belief in each other and a willingness to take the game on.
Camberwell - Season Summary
Mario Romano (Coach)
The Camberwell Sharks U11 CR squad have had a remarkable season so far, and are looking forward to finishing with a big day this weekend in the Grand Final.
At the start of the year we combined two of our U10 teams together and had 23 boys who hadn’t played a game together prior to the start of the season. The hard work put in by everyone week by week has so far paid dividends. The growth in the boys from fitness, to their skills, has shined through week on week, and whilst it translated into success and continued wins during the season, the drive, hunger and comraidarie from the boys has been the most fantastic thing to watch.
As we enter the Grand final week we will be looking for a continued defensive effort whilst staying true to form and kicking a decent score. We need all 23 players to contribute to be successful. It’s the Sharks way!
We have played Brunswick twice throughout the season with tough games both times, and while we managed to win during the regular season, we know its going to be another hard fought game in the GF. We have watched Brunswick upset 2nd and 3rd on the ladder in recent weeks and we have steeled ourselves for the battle ahead.
The coaching team are looking forward to watching the team rise to the occasion, and guiding these boys to achieve this final success of the season this Sunday.
Go Sharks!
Brunswick - Season Summary
Peter Brunt (Coach)
At the start of the year we formed a new team. It took a while for the team to get to know each other and learn to play together. The team has had a big say in how they want to play their footy and have committed themselves to the Brunswick Dragons Way. We have seen growth at all levels within the team. This growth has come from the leading lights that play their role every week, to those that have kicked their first goal, or taken their first mark.
As the season has gone on, their confidence has grown in themselves and each other. We have seen them come into this finals series full of momentum. In this finals series we have had some very tight and tense tussles with both Fitzroy and Bulleen. The Elimination Final was a great back and forth contest all day. Then Bulleen in the Preliminary Final—which while we led from the start—was close right down to the final siren. The best part of our finals series, has been the sportsmanship shown by both sides. While winning is sweet, being knocked out is always heartbreaking.
Good luck to the Dragons on Grand Final day. GO DRAGONS!!!
U11 Mixed Division 4 – Beverley Hills vs Kew Comets – Doncaster Reserve – 11:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Beverley Hills | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
3rd | Kew Comets | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Beverley Hills 29 def. Kew Comets 13 - Rieschiecks Reserve
Round 12 - Kew Comets 14 def. Beverley Hills 11 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Finals
Qualifying Final - Beverley Hills 41 def. Canterbury 20 - Zerbes Reserve
Preliminary Final - Canterbury 9 def by. Kew Comets 31 - Gordon Barnard
Players to watch
Beverley Hills
We've had so many contributors over the course of the year, so congrats to all the boys. Some of the players to watch out for on Sunday include Adam Carter, Ranveer Dhamija, Ben Rimes, Joel Dal Santo, Stefaan Turnour, Lennix Nunziato and Nick Drew
Beverley Hills - Season Summary
Ash Drew (Coach)
It's been a great season so far for the Beverley Hills boys. We started pre-season with strong numbers and a goal to earn enough wins during the course of the year to play finals. To their credit, they worked extremely hard to develop their skills over the course of the year. Playing in multiple positions, learning to be selfless and to have a 'team first' approach to the game.
We enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, winning our first seven games, before suffering three close losses over the last five games to bring us back to the field. The Qualifying Final against Canterbury was a terrific game. After holding a 20pt lead at half time, the Cobras stormed back to within 1pt at the last change. In our best qtr of the year, the boys finished full of running to claim a great win and qualify for the Grand Final.
We have played our Grand Final opponents, the Kew Comets, twice this year, with the home team getting the win each time. Both were low scoring, tough games, and we expect the Grand Final to be no different.
A big thanks to all the volunteers that have given up their time throughout the season, especially our team managers, Emily Fitz and Tamara Nicholson, the boys wouldn't get on the field each week without you!
Best of luck to both teams on Sunday. Go Hills!
Kew Comets - Season Summary
YJFL
The Kew Comets Under 11s have been one of the standout performers in the Mixed Division 4 competition finishing 3rd on the ladder only one game behind 1st.
Splitting the wins with Beverley Hills during the year, the Comets will be looking to take the victory in the Grand Final in what will no doubt be a closely contested Grand Final.
U11 Mixed Division 5 – Fitzroy vs St Mary's – McDonnell Park – 9:25am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Fitzroy | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
2nd | St Mary's | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
Previous matchups:
Round 4 - Fitzroy 70 def. St Mary's 30 - Alfred Crescent Oval
Round 10 - Fitzroy 36 def. St Mary's 10 - Alfred Crescent Oval
Finals
Qualifying Final - Fitzroy 39 def. St Mary's 38 - Ramsden Street
Preliminary Final - St Mary's 45 def. Whitehorse 15 - Whatmough Park
Players to watch
Fitzroy
Although we have lots of talent right across our team, we do not rely on a couple of individual performers. We play as One Team, with and for each other. We win or lose as a team, and it would therefore be unfair to single out any individual players.
St Mary's
Finn Livy, Hunter Nolan, Cooper Andrew, Nate Moloney, James Scharwz and Denzel Fisher are our team leaders who are a big reason for our teams success. All our players lift around these boys and we expect them all to have massive games in the grand final.
Fitzroy - Season Summary
The Fitzroy Under 11 Q has had an outstanding 2023 season. We are Q for Quinlan, named in honor of the great “Superboot” Bernie Quinlan.
It is very exciting for the team to make finals at their first attempt and even more so to get all the way through to a Grand Final. We are on a hot steak now having won our past 9 games and hoping to extend our steak to 10! The team finished well clear at the top of the ladder and got better and better as the season progressed.
We have had the “wood” on St Mary’s in our three previous encounters but our most recent win over them was by a solitary point. They have also improved considerably over the season. We respect them immensely and have no doubt we are in for a tough game against a quality opponent.
As exciting as it is to make a GF and to have had such a successful season, we do not only measure success by wins and losses. Of greater importance is our enjoyment of the game, ongoing improvement as individuals and as a team, and the friendships we make along the way. We obviously want to play our best in the GF but even if we are not successful, we can look back on 2023 with great pride and a sense of achievement. All we ask is that each player does their best, respects their teammates, opponents and umpires and most importantly has fun on the big day.
St Mary's - Season Summary
It has been a huge challenge this season to get numbers on the park each week, but we have had a core bunch of boys who have really stuck together and the results are a reflection of their hard work. We've got 5 boys who are playing in their first season of footy, and seeing their improvement and growth throughout the year has been another win for this team. After some heavy losses during grading games we set a goal at the start of the season to win 5 games, so to make it all the way to the grand final we are super proud of the boys achievements.
Fitzroy have been the best team in the competition all year and pose a huge challenge. We've played them 3 times and have come up short on each occasion. However, the St Marys boys are ready to give their all and put up a hard fought contest.
U12 Girls Division 1 – Camberwell vs Glen Iris – Doncaster Reserve – 9:30am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Camberwell | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
2nd | Glen Iris | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 30 |
Previous matchups:
Round 9 - Glen Iris 0 def by. Camberwell 65 - Righetti Oval
Finals
Qualifying Final - Camberwell 38 def. Glen Iris 1 - Lynden Park
Preliminary Final - Glen Iris 29 def. Ashburton 8 - Righetti Oval
Players to watch
Camberwell
Camberwell’s strength comes from the depth of our side, it would be hard to highlight just a few girls to watch. They play so well as a team, with a high level of trust in their teammates. The girls all support each other’s achievements, and back each other up. Each and every player is developing their skills, understanding of the game and confidence each week.
Camberwell - Season Summary
Jacqui Hilton (Team Manager)
We have been fortunate to have a gifted group of young athletes who have a passion for footy and a desire to work hard, all while having lots of fun. The girls enjoy being challenged and continue to push themselves to rise to the occasion against strong and skilful opposition. The girls pride themselves on being tough but fair, bringing their very best effort and getting enjoyment out of playing together. Head Coach Jorja Jackson and Assistant Coach Andrew Kokinos have guided and motivated the girls to continue to improve each week, both as individuals and as a team.
After a successful 2022 season, the Sharks were lucky to pick up six new players to our team this year – five who had never played footy. Under the positive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guidance of our patient coaches J.J. and Koko, these girls quickly picked up skills, learned the game plan and became integral members of the team. As our team song goes “All for one and one for all, the way we play at Camberwell!”
Glen Iris is a strong team, and we look forward to another good challenge against a team who always bring a positive and sporting spirit to each match.
Glen Iris - Season Summary
YJFL
The Glen Iris Division 1 Girls have had a successful season and will be hoping they can topple the undefeated Camberwell in the Grand Final on Sunday.
After losing in the Qualifying Final, they bounced back to convincingly win their Preliminary Final against Kew Comets and will be hoping they can bring that form on Sunday and take home the victory.
U12 Girls Division 2 – Park Orchards vs Surrey Park – Doncaster Reserve – 1:00pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Park Orchards | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
2nd | Surrey Park | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 34 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Park Orchards 32 def. Surrey Park 9 - Domeney Reserve
Round 14 - Surrey Park 18 def by. Park Orchards 35 - Bennettswood Reserve
Finals
Qualifying Final - Park Orchards 29 def. Surrey Park 8 - Domeney Reserve
Preliminary Final - Surrey Park 21 def. Brunswick 1 - Surrey Park
Park Orchards - Season Summary
YJFL
Park Orchards went through Season 2023 undefeated in the Under 12 Girls Division 2 competition and have beaten Surrey Park on three occasions this year including the Qualifying Final.
Their side will be hard to beat, but they will go into the game knowing that anything can happen on Grand Final day and will not take their opponent lightly.
Surrey Park - Season Summary
YJFL
Surrey Park's only defeats in 2023 have come against their Grand Final opponents in Park Orchards but they will go into Sunday with an optimism that they can turn the tides on this occasion.
The team has been easily the second best team in the competition all year and they will be sure to provide a great performance on Grand Final day which will give them a good chance of winning.
U12 Girls Division 3 – Macleod vs Camberwell – Macleod Park – 11:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Macleod | 12 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 48 |
2nd | Camberwell | 9 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 36 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Macleod 36 def. Camberwell 9 - Macleod Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Macleod 43 def. Camberwell 0 - Macleod Park
Preliminary Final - Camberwell 17 def. Hawthorn Citz 13 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Players to watch
Macleod
We have had so many standout performances at different times from the players and the improvement across the board has been great to watch.
Macleod - Season Summary
Dan Harrap (Coach)
Our team has enjoyed a strong season this year, and the players have embraced a team first approach which set the tone for some great wins.
We enjoyed our first finals win ever against the Camberwell Sharks to see us enter the Grand Final which is great reward for our players and club. We are up against the Camberwell Sharks again in this week’s big Grand Final game and I am sure both teams have learnt a lot from the first final and that it will be a very tough contest.
As we prepare for the game, we will celebrate what we have done well all year and focus on bringing that effort into the Grand Final. We will continue to remind ourselves what a privilege it is to represent the Macleod Junior Football club and the league in a Grand Final appearance.
Camberwell - Season Summary
YJFL
The Camberwell Under 12 Girls finished second on the ladder with a win loss record of 9 and 4.
After a loss in the Qualifying Final to Macleod, they defeated Hawthorn Citz by a narrow margin in the Preliminary Final to book a spot in Sunday's Grand Final.
U12 Mixed Division 1 – Kew Comets vs Hawthorn Citz – McDonnell Park – 1:00pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Kew Comets | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
2nd | Hawthorn Citz | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Previous matchups:
Round 3 - Kew Comets 29 def. HawthornCitz 15 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Round 7 - Kew Comets 25 def by. Hawthorn Citz 61 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Round 12 - Hawthorn Citz 31 def def. Kew Comets 47 - Rathmines Road Reserve
Finals
Qualifying Final - Kew Comets 41 def. Hawthorn Citz 38 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Preliminary Final - Hawthorn Citz 42 def. Ashburton 26 - Victoria Rd Reserve
Kew Comets - Season Summary
Daniel Giansiracusa (Coach)
With a good spread of boys from a range of schools around the local area, the team has built the season on playing as one team as opposed to individuality. The motto of “Look after your mates” has been the main message from the coaches all year and it has been well received and executed by the boys.
The Grand final will see us welcome back one player after a big injury in the season to give us an almost full strength side.
This game will be the first Grand Final for many of the boys but the gameplan they have bought through the season should give them the motivation to go all the way.
It will be the 5th game for the season against their much-respected rivals and it should present a great battle.
Hawthorn Citz - Season Summary
Simon Vavallo (Coach)
Season 2023 has been a great ride for the HawthornCitz U12 (1) team. After experiencing a close Grand Final loss in 2022, they have welcomed some new players (and a new coach) and the team has continued to develop in order to give themselves another opportunity to taste Grand Final success.
The boys are a committed and enthusiastic group who play an exciting brand of football and take the game on. All games against Kew Comets have been tough contests this year, with the first final between the teams going down to the wire. The Citz boys are ready for another tight game and will be bringing their best effort to get over the line on Sunday.
U12 Mixed Division 2 – Bulleen Templestowe vs Surrey Park – Ted Ajani Reserve – 9:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Bulleen Temp | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
2nd | Surrey Park | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 32 |
Previous matchups:
Round 11 - Surrey Park 15 def by. Bulleen Temp 22 - Surrey Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Bulleen Temp 18 def. Surrey Park 8 - Bulleen Park
Preliminary Final - Surrey Park 49 def. Glen Iris 30 - Gillon Oval
Bulleen Temp - Season Summary
Matt Collard (President)
It was a pleasure to welcome new players into our team, who joined the majority of last years U11s who made the Grand Final in Div 3 last year. With a healthy number of players in our squad, and a willingness from our players to work hard and develop their football skills over the pre-season, we performed well in our grading games that commenced with us starting in Div 2, moving briefly to Div 1, before finding our place in Div 2.
Post grading, like most teams, we have had our ups and downs, but to the credit of our players we have been competitive in every game, and even when not playing our best have been able to come away with a win. This consistency led to us finishing on top of the ladder at the end of the Regular Season, and a spot in the Grand Final after a close win in our Qualifying Final.
We have played Surrey Park three times this year. We played Surrey Park in Round 2, and knowing that they were a grand finalist in Div 2 from the year before, we felt that our performance in this game would give us an idea where we would stand in the Division. We got over the line in this game by 16pts but were down 19pts at half time so it was by no means a comfortable win. We managed to get over the line in our Round 11 and Qualifying Final clashes by 7pts and 10pts respectively, and both these games were highly contested and low scoring affairs. In all three games, Surrey Park have had the lead at half time so we know we are in for a battle.
Surrey Park - Season Summary
YJFL
Surrey Park have been narrowly defeated by Bulleen on two occasions this season including in the Qualifying Final and they will be looking to turn the tables on Sunday.
The team put in a strong performance in their Preliminary Final, defeating Glen Iris by 19 points, and they will be eager to repeat their performance in the Grand Final.
U12 Mixed Division 3 – Camberwell vs Park Orchards – Macleod Park – 12:45pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
2nd | Camberwell | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 34 |
3rd | Park Orchards | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
Previous matchups:
Round 5 - Park Orchards 29 draw. Camberwell 29 - Stintons Reserve
Round 14 - Camberwell 51 def. Park Orchards 40 - Lynden Park
Finals
Elimination Final - Park Orchards 67 def. Ivanhoe 9 - Domeney Reserve
Qualifying Final - Beverley Hills 30 def by. Camberwell 40 - Zerbes Reserve
Preliminary Final - Beverley Hills 19 def by. Park Orchards 26 - Zerbes Reserve
Camberwell - Season Summary
Brad Aisbett (Coach)
Camberwell Sharks U12A enjoyed a strong first season in Division Three, winning eight games. Many of the victories were tightly fought and up for grabs late into the final quarter showing the evenness of the division this year. In these narrow victories and across their three losses and one draw, the Camberwell boys learnt valuable lessons about focus, persistence and sustained effort which will help their football beyond this season. They have grown across the season and we are all very proud of their development in 2023.
The two Camberwell – Park Orchards contests were especially close this year, with a total of 11 points separating the teams across the two games (including a draw). Both teams enjoy winning contests on the ground and in the air which will make for another closely fought match this Sunday.
Park Orchards - Season Summary
YJFL
Park Orchards finished 3rd on the ladder in a tightly contested division with a win loss record of 7 and 4 with 1 draw which came against their Grand Final opposition.
The Sharks entered an Elimination Final and easily accounted for Ivanhoe before meeting Beverley Hills in the Preliminary Final where they came away with a narrow 7-point victory.
The team will be hoping to make it three from three when they compete in the Grand Final on Sunday at Ted Ajani Reserve.
U12 Mixed Division 4 – Richmond vs Warrandyte – Pitcher Park – 11:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Richmond | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 44 |
2nd | Warrandyte | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 28 |
Previous matchups:
Round 5 - Warrandyte 14 def by. Richmond 69 - Warrandyte Rec. Reserve
Round 11 - Warrandyte 13 def by. Richmond 33 - Warrandyte Rec. Reserve
Finals
Qualifying Final - Richmond 33 def. Warrandyte 19 - Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Preliminary Final - Warrandyte 50 def. Brunswick 37 - Springfield Park
Richmond - Season Summary
YJFL
Richmond are undefeated in the Under 12 Boys Division 4 competition and will look to complete their perfect season with a Grand Final victory on Sunday.
They have accounted for Warrandyte on three previous occasions and will look to do so again on Sunday.
Warrandyte - Season Summary
David Pelosi (Coach)
The 2023 season will be remembered for all the right reasons. A mixed team of three different age groups to form an incredible Under 12s who continued to evolve and operate as one. Early indicators suggested a tough road ahead, with little preparation and a very tough introduction to the competition. Following a comprehensive reality check in our one and only pre-game, an even tougher proposition confronted the boys and their integrity when they faced last year’s division 1 grand finalists. Unbeknown to the team, it was this game that set the scene and started developing their brand of football; a running team committed to working for each other with relentless effort from start to finish.
In every game, the boys continued to improve, building a strong sense of belief in self and each other. Midway through the season, confidence kicked in and belief turned to reality as the boys learned to trust in their role and that of their team mates. Now with just one game left in a memorable season, Warrandyte are keen to take on formidable rivals in an undefeated Richmond.
A huge shout out to the parents and families who help make Warrandyte a strong and connected community. Special mention to Debbie Penn - team manager extraordinaire. Debbie makes everything easy and allows the boys to do what they do best…play footy.
U12 Mixed Division 5 – Whitehorse vs North Brunswick – Springfield Park – 10:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Whitehorse | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
2nd | North Brunswick | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 32 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - North Brunswick 6 def. Whitehorse 66 - Allard Park
Round 12 - Whitehorse 20 def by. North Brunswick 49 - Springfield Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Whitehorse 34 def. North Brunswick 32 - Springfield Park
Preliminary Final - North Brunswick 13 def. Richmond 8 - Allard Park
Players to watch
Whitehorse
Both sides are similar in ability and evenly matched and likely to be fought out through the midfield.
North Brunswick
The five new players who joined the Giants in 2023 in Hadley, Jalal, Marchie, Euca and Mitchell.
Whitehorse - Season Summary
Mick Sheehan (Coach)
The core of U12’s Whitehorse Colts have played together since U8’s with 7 of our team celebrating their 50 games milestone this season.
After not winning a game in grading, the Colts were moved into division 5 which allowed a lot of our less experienced players, to be able to build in confidence and get a feel for the game. The end of the season found the Colts finishing on top of the ladder winning 9 out of the 11 games. Losing to Kew Comets and to our opponent in this years grand final North Brunswick.
The U12’s Colts anticipation was huge playing in their first ever final.
When playing North Brunswick in the first final, it was found to be a fiercely fought contest which saw us winning in a close tussle by 2 points. It sets-up seasons grand final to be cracker played at Springfield Park.
Despite our success in the regular season, the Colts are aware that the grand final will be their toughest challenge yet. Having lost to their North Brunswick once in the season, Colts know the level of competition they are up against.
The Grand Final promises to be a fantastic game.
North Brunswick - Season Summary
Jason Goldsmith (Coach)
We have a great group of players who have each contributed to our success over the course of the year, bringing different skills and attributes. What unites them is their passion for North Brunswick and their willingness to work hard for each other as teammates, shown in the 50 game celebrations this season for Harry Warren, Ghozi and Harry Brennan
This is our first finals series as a team and we have had some great tussles with Whitehorse this season, winning one and losing one before the Qualifying Final which was only decided by 2 points. We back ourselves to get the win this week knowing we have beaten them on their home turf before.
We look forward to a great contest played in the right spirit!
