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.
Wednesday – U13/U14s 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.
U13 Girls Division 1 – Camberwell vs Kew Rovers – Macleod Park – 2:30pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Camberwell | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 44 |
2nd | Kew Rovers | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 40 |
Previous matchups:
Round 10 - Camberwell 34 def by. Kew Rovers 36 - Lynden Park
Round 14 - Kew Rovers 1 def by. Camberwell 32 - Stradbroke Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Camberwell 16 def. Kew Rovers 10 - Lynden Park
Preliminary Final - Kew Rovers 45 def. Banyule 16 - Bulleen Park
Camberwell - Season Summary
YJFL
Camberwell and Kew Rovers split their two Home-and-Away matchups during the season, but Camberwell came away victorious by a goal in the Qualifying Final.
The two sides are evenly matched and — despite finishing on top of the ladder — Camberwell will face a significant challenge in a Kew Rovers side that enjoyed premiership succes the previous year.
Kew Rovers - Season Summary
Ben Chan (Coach)
The spirit and camaraderie with the group is their key strength and they continue to encourage and push each other to improve and learn the game.
This has meant that training is always fun, despite the mud and game days fierce and competitive. The season has had many close finishes and the it is a credit to the girls that they have been responsible for their own motivation and playing the game in the right spirit.
U13 Girls Division 2 – Kew Comets vs Hawthorn Citz – Whatmough Park – 11:15am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Kew Comets | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 44 |
3rd | Hawthorn Citz | 8 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 32 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Kew Comets 62 def. Hawthorn Citz 20 - St James Park
Round 7 - Hawthorn Citz 10 def by. Kew Comets 79 - Victoria Rd Reserve
Finals
Elimination Final - Hawthorn Citz def. Aquianas (Forfeit)
Qualifying Final - Kew Comets 126 def. Canterbury 7 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Preliminary Final - Whitehorse 7 def by. Hawthorn Citz 24 - Springfield Park
Players to watch
Kew Comets
This team has such an even spread of contributors, making them so formidable and hard to contain on match days. 21 goalscorers reflects the even contribution as does the shepherding count, which highlights the selfless attitude all the girls play with. The team-first attitude has enabled Chloe Frazer (#1) to emerge as a dashing midfielder with pack breaking speed, creating a formidable duo with Ruby Lockyer (#14) a hard-nosed perennial star. Abigail D’Intini (#28) roams the mid/fwd line, whether controlling the air or gathering the loose ball, uses her raking left boot to effect (equal leading goal kicker with 25 goals). Eve Linnane (#40) new to footy, with natural instincts around goals, is always a chance to hit the scoreboard.
Kew Comets - Season Summary
Nicholas Vaughan (Coach)
We play as one, we play for fun.
A great quality of this team is the friendliness, trust, and cohesion they have cultivated. In 2023 this comprises a playing squad of 25. Season 2023 aims involved, enhancing footy smarts and game awareness. To develop a style that controlled the ball for longer periods, enabling fast ball movement.
Throughout the season the girls were challenged by their opponents, and when so, they trained hard improving the areas exposed. Ultimately, we wanted to play our best footy at the end of the season and be prepared for any challenge. To be competitive against any team across all competitions.
Some highlights of the season to date:
· 21 individual goal scorers
· 36 shepherds versus Aquinas in Rd. 6 (season high)
· 46 tackles versus Hawthorn Citz in Rd. 7 (season high)
The girls rose to the challenge of the Qualifying final, playing with confidence, turning out their best team performance of the season. Now the Grand Final awaits, the challenge is before them.
Hawthorn Citz - Season Summary
Matt Gwynn (Team Manager)
The Hawthorn Citz U13 Girls team have had a fantastic season which all the girls can be tremendously proud of. In 2022, the team played in the U11 competition which was the first full season for many of the girls after the Covid interrupted years. 2022 proved to be a valuable year of development and the girls have continued to grow and improve as footballers this season.
Our win loss record for the season read 8 & 4 and it is a testament to the girl’s grit and determination that two of their wins were amazing come from behind results with the winning goal being the last kick of the game against Fitzroy in round 3 and Aquinas in round 14. The confidence from the win against Aquinas in the last H&A game was carried into the finals and shone through against Whitehorse Colts in the Preliminary final. The Citz girls trailed at quarter time but ultimately overcame the deficit to win in a tight game.
The girls are super excited to play against Kew Comets in the Grand Final who have got the better of us in the H&A season. There is a strong belief amongst the team that they can match it with Comets and so we all look forward to a terrific contest and occasion to finish off the 2023 season. Go Citz!
U13 Mixed Division 1 – Ashburton vs Canterbury – Camberwell Sportsground – 11:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Ashburton | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
2nd | Canterbury | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Previous matchups:
Round 1 - Ashburton 58 def. Canterbury 39 - Ferndale Park
Round 7 - Canterbury 21 def by. Ashburton 36 - Canterbury Sportsground
Finals
Qualifying Final - Ashburton 62 def. Canterbury 41 - Burwood Reserve
Preliminary Final - Canterbury 54 def. Hawthorn Citz 48 - Gordon Barnard
Players to watch
Canterbury
The Cobras are at their best when it’s a full team performance. However, look out for some of the key midfielders like Angus Dunstan, Will Borrello and Josh Thomas to provide some highlights on Grand Final day.
Ashburton - Season Summary
YJFL
Ashburton made their way to the Grand Final after a strong season in which they dropped only one regular season game — a round three grading matchup against Canterbury's Preliminary Final opponent Hawthorn Citz.
The Ashburton side are the reigning premiers with three wins over Canterbury — including the Qualifying Final win at Burwood Reserve — they will be looking to go back-to-back in 2023.
Canterbury - Season Summary
Paul McIndoe (Team Manager)
The Canterbury Cobras team have had a great season to date, winning 11 games in the Home and Away season. This year the team has changed slightly with the merging of one of the other teams from previous years. The twenty two boys have developed and bonded during the season and are excited for a chance to win a premiership this weekend.
Some highlights of the season have been a one point win over Ivanhoe right on the siren, and a one goal win against Hawthorn Citz in the Preliminary Final.
The Canterbury Cobras have played Ashburton three times this season, which included the Qualifying final a few weeks back. Unfortunately, Ashburton have won all three encounters, which means the Cobras go in as underdogs this weekend. Ashburton is a strong club and the team is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the reigning premiers.
U13 Mixed Division 2 – Ivanhoe vs Kew Comets – Ivanhoe Park – 9:45am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Ivanhoe | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 36 |
2nd | Kew Comets | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 32 |
Previous matchups:
Round 12 - Ivanhoe 35 def by. Kew Comets 46 - Ivanhoe Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Ivanhoe 26 def. Kew Comets 23 - Ivanhoe Park
Preliminary Final - Kew Comets 47 def. Northcote 35 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Ivanhoe - Season Summary
YJFL
Ivanhoe enjoyed a 2023 campaign as the dominant team in the competition with a win loss record of 9 and 1. However, their 1 loss for the season came against their Grand Final opponent in Kew Comets.
Ivanhoe redeemed themselves in the Qualifying Final taking the spoils by a narrow 3-point margin, and they will be hoping to do the same on Grand Final Day.
Kew Comets - Season Summary
Nicholas Luke (Coach)
After a Grand final Victory in 2022, the team regrouped again in 2023 with the difficult task of being competitive in a higher division.
Losses in round 1 and round 3 demonstrated the reality that a very short pre-season, and the higher grade was going to make the season a mountain to climb. Rounds 4-7 saw much team building and team structure improvement and at the half way mark of the season we were placed 2nd on the ladder. Round 8 headed a clash with Northcote in 3rd ladder position. A 2 goal loss reminded us that we were still not in the best 2 teams in the comp. This loss stirred something in the team, and a will to be better, more bonded, and harder at the ball started to nurture. Rounds 9-11 saw victories, but still unable to regain a top 2 spot on the ladder.
Round 12 had the team up against undefeated Ivanhoe, a true force in the competition, that most opposition coaches told us would be unbeatable. The team rallied to this challenge, taking the ladder leaders by complete surprise and came out victors by 11 points. A remarkable victory that demonstrated the team had bonded and developed immensely. Most likely securing 2nd top spot from this win.
Finals Round 1 placed the Comets boys against a revenge driven Ivanhoe in a battle that saw the pressure and stakes high, with many lead changes, but unfortunately a 3 point loss.
Prelim Final round gave us the difficult task of beating Northcote, whom we had not beaten during the season. The stakes were high, and the margin at the breaks was never more than a point, drawn at ¾ time, then drawn at full time. 5+5 extra time saw the comets boys dig deep and come out victors by 12 points. Never a more exciting game played by the team.
Grand final week, and we are up against Ivanhoe again. 1 close win each against each other will make this an almighty clash. Hard fought clinched victories and tight losses in the last few games will put the comets boys in fighting spirit, knowing full well it isn’t over till the final siren, and sometimes even the extra time siren sounds. An incredible group of young men that deserve the belief they can win a grand final this week. GO Comets.
U13 Mixed Division 3 – Banyule vs Fitzroy – Beverley Rd Reserve – 11:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Fitzroy | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 40 |
2nd | Banyule | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Banyule 47 def by. Fitzroy 64 - Beverley Road Reserve
Round 11 - Fitzroy 30 def. Banyule 25 - Ramsden Street Oval
Finals
Qualifying Final - Fitzroy 43 def by. Banyule 69 - Ramsden Street Oval
Preliminary Final - Fitzroy 45 def. Kew Rovers 25 - W.T Peterson Oval
Players to watch
Fitzroy
All the Fitzroy Serafini team members contribute with a real focus on teamwork. Watch the strength of their teamwork right across the ground!
Banyule
The strength of the U13 team lies with the great friendships and acceptance of all playing abilities. With a list of 26 players, rotations often changed the team’s dynamics. It was the boys’ ability to adapt and support one another from one end of the ground to the other which has enabled them to reach the Grand Final.
Fitzroy - Season Summary
Lauchlan Eddy (Coach)
Fitzroy U13 Serafini’s (named after Laurie Serafini) aka Sera’s have had a terrific season finishing without losing a game in the regular season games. Many of the team had not played together before and to their credit they bonded quickly and played football demonstrating the Fitzroy Junior Football Club values.
We first faced our Grand Final opponents in an away game in Round 7 which was neck and neck all game with us trailing by 7 points at 3 quarter time. The Sera’s kicked into gear and kicked 5 goals to 1 to win by 17 points. The Sera’s next faced Banyule in a home game in Round 11. Once again, a super tight contest with Banyule leading by 9 points at 3 quarter time. The Sera’s in the last quarter, were able to kick 2 goals to 0 winning by 5 points.
In the Qualifying Final Banyule turned the table on the Sera’s. This time the Sera’s were leading at 3 quarter time 12 points. Banyule started the fourth quarter absolutely flying and never stopped, kicking 7 goals to 1. Defeating the Sera’s by 26 points.
There is nothing between these two teams when they both play their best football. This should be another tight affair with both sides giving it their all to the final siren!
Banyule - Season Summary
Cade Ward (Coach) & Ben Moorfield (Asst. Coach)
It sure has been a challenging and varied season for the team. Many were dishearten by the grading games and the huge losses we faced but once graded corrected they started to find their confidence.
Every game throughout the season seemed to be a challenge with no easy games coming our way. The top 4 teams were very competitive and we managed to take out enough wins including the last round against Kew Rovers to leapfrog them and finish the season in 2nd place.
A massive Qualifying Final win against the undefeated Fitzroy in the qualifying final to move through to the Grand Final really showed off the boys resilience under pressure. It has been a big season with many milestone games. We are very proud of the development within the playing group and look forward to the big game on Sunday.
U13 Mixed Division 4 – Surrey Park vs Ashburton – Surrey Park – 10:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Surrey Park | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
2nd | Ashburton | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
Previous matchups:
Round 12 - Surrey Park 54 def. Ashburton 22 - Surrey Park
Finals
Qualifying Final - Surrey Park 43 def. Ashburton 40 - Surrey Park
Preliminary Final - Ashburton 77 def. Templestowe 32 - Victoria Park (Kew)
Surrey Park - Season Summary
YJFL
Surrey Park have been the dominant team in the competition with their only loss for the season coming in Round 13 against 6th place Whitehorse in a somewhat surprising result.
The team scores heavily and defends well and accounted for most other teams in the competition easily during the Home-and-Away season, however the Qualifying Final against Ashburton was decided by just 3-point indicating that this Grand Final is very much up for grabs.
Ashburton - Season Summary
Lukle Mannix (Team Manager)
For the U13 Ashy Redbacks Green team, it has been a season that has truly tested their character and they have shown tremendous fortitude and determination to finish second on the ladder and secure a chance to take home the premiership this Sunday against Surrey Park.
After a difficult four games of grading that saw a combined winning margin of 403 points against them, the boys found their feet in Division 4 and were able to develop a 'whole of team' game style under the leadership of their coach, Chich, and his assistant Nick, that has consistently improved over the course of the season.
Playing away against top of the ladder Surrey Park towards the end of the season in round 12, Ashy Green’s run of 6 wins was broken by a 32-point loss to Surrey in windy conditions. Back at Surrey Park only three weeks later for Round 1 of the finals it was a much closer affair going down by 3 points.
Following a win against Templestowe in the preliminary final, the boys are pumped for another chance to give absolutely everything they have when they are back at Surrey Park this Sunday for what is shaping to be an epic Grand Final. Watch out for Ashy Green’s cohesive midfield, fearless backs and dangerous forwards – because the boys know it is going to take a 'whole team effort' to secure the win!
U13 Mixed Division 5 – Parade St Damian's vs Camberwell – Binnak Park – 11:00am
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Parade | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 48 |
2nd | Camberwell | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Previous matchups:
Round 7 - Camberwell 20 def by. Parade 68 - Camberwell Sportsground
Finals
Qualifying Final - Parade 68 def. Camberwell 24 - Binnak Park
Preliminary Final - Camberwell 30 def. Richmond 14 - Camberwell Sportsground
Parade - Season Summary
Chris Van Der Poel (Coach)
In an unprecedented season, Parade St Damians u13s have accomplished the extraordinary by going undefeated through the season after never having a winning season before.
Their unity, determination, and standout performances from players across all parts of the ground has defined their season. The grand final will be a historic clash, hopefully culminating in a premiership that will complete their journey from underdogs to club legends.
Camberwell - Season Summary
Lyle Meaney (Coach)
Whilst the core of the team played together the previous season, a number of new players and first-year footballers meant the first few trainings and games involved the team getting to know each other.
As a coaching group we explained to the boys we would rotate them through positions to work out their most ‘natural’ role that was best for the team. To the boys credit they embraced this mentality and thrived in the various roles without complaint.
As coaches we also wanted the team to understand if we did develop as a group we would be playing our best footy at the end of the season. This has certainly occurred. Through the year we had a couple of close losses, and some wins that flattered us more than a reflection of the opposition. All games in the grade were played in great spirit, which is a credit to the players, Coaches, Team Managers and Parents.
As a group we have played our Grand Final opponent, Parade Saints twice. On both occasions we have been given a footy lesson, losing by 6 goals in the regular season and 7 goals in the Qualifying final. Parade are a well drilled, well coached team with a deep bench and have been a class above all other teams in the grade having an undefeated regular season. As a Coaching group we could not be happier with the development & attitude of our players, and are incredibly proud with how the group has conducted themselves.
As long as we play at our absolute best, and continue to improve as a group in the final game of the year regardless of the result all players, coaches, support staff and parents know how the team will look back on the season fondly and deem it an outstanding success.
U14 Girls Division 1 – Balwyn Greythorn vs Beverley Hills – Binnak Park – 1:00pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Balwyn Greythorn | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 52 |
3rd | Beverley Hills | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
Previous matchups:
Round 1 - Beverley Hills 16 def by. Balwyn Greythorn 67 - Zerbes Reserve
Round 6 - Beverley Hills 7 def by. Balwyn Greythorn 35 - Zerbes Reserve
Finals
Qualifying Final - Balwyn Greythorn 20 def. Park Orchards 6 - Gordon Barnard Reserve
Preliminary Final - Park Orchards 24 def. Beverley Hills 30 - Domeney Reserve
Players to watch
Balwyn Greythorn
An exceptionally well-balanced team that on any given day has a long list of names that are all capable of getting votes and playing a team first role.
Balwyn Greythorn - Season Summary
Kim Brownlie (Coach)
The past year for the under 14 girls has been nothing short of remarkable. The addition of five new players injected a fresh wave of energy and talent into the team. The U14’s made it a focal point to implement strong standards at training.
Our training centred around high-touch skill development and core fitness, and our attitude at training proved to be a game-changer. Each player pushed herself to new heights and this resulted in a collective group that was stronger than ever before.
The season kicked off with a rematch against Beverley Hills in the grand final replay. While the scoreboard ultimately favoured us, the battle on the field was fierce, physical, demanding and a stack of fun.
As the season progressed, our focus shifted from simply winning games to nurturing player development and refining positions. We uncovered exciting talent in new roles that had previously been untapped.
Park Orchards jumped up a division and emerged as worthy adversaries, challenging us in ways that pushed our limits and saw the team employ video review and highlight edit coaching. No season would be complete without the clash and drama against our traditional rivals, Camberwell Sharks, always exciting and showcased the development of young girls playing our great game, Aussie rules.
As we look ahead to the grand final this Sunday, the prospect of securing our third consecutive premiership is thrilling and it would be a great validation for all our hard work.
However regardless of the outcome, we feel privileged to contribute to the development of exceptional talent and the growth of women’s football. Our club has become a nurturing ground for future AFLW stars, and we have a deep sense of gratitude to all our competitors for growing girls into football players.
Beverley Hills - Season Summary
Murray Harding
This season has pretty much mirrored the 2022 year from the Beverley Hills U14 girls team. Last year we started the season off slowly with 3 wins and 3 losses after 6 games, but then went on to win our last 8 games to finish 3rd on the ladder. We won our first 2 finals, but unfortunately was beaten in the Grand Final. This year we were 3 wins and 4 losses after 7 rounds, but went on to win the last 7 home and away game and again finish 3rd on the ladder. We won our 2 finals over the past 2 weekends and have now progressed to the Grand Final against the team that beat us in last year’s Grand Final – Balwyn Greythorn.
We’ve played them twice this year - very early in the season – where they were much too good for us. However, the Beverley Hills girls have really knuckled down over the past 3 months and their improvement as individuals and as a team has been immense. We very much look forward to the contest this weekend against Balwyn Greythorn – a team who has been the bench mark in our division for the past 3-4 years.
I’m extremely proud of ‘my girls’. Their level of commitment and care for each other, and their determination to improve each week has been fantastic. They are extremely motivated for success and their belief in each other and the team is enormous. We’re looking forward to a great game on Sunday. GO HILLS!
U14 Girls Division 2 – Whitehorse vs Templestowe Bulleen – Springfield Park – 12:00pm
Ladder Position
Position | Team | Won | Lost | Draw | Byes | Pts |
1st | Whitehorse | 11 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 44 |