On Friday the 6th of July, the Yarra Junior Football League travelled to Shepparton with an Under 16 Girl & Under 16 Boy teams to play a match against the AFL Goulburn Murray Academy. The players selected for these teams were nominated by their clubs and did a great job at not only representing their clubs but the league as well. The teams had only trained for three sessions together, however they were excited for the challenge and experience ahead.
Thanks to the following volunteers for all your amazing help on the day:
Sebastien Di Parisa – Water Carrier (both games)
George Callegari – Runner (Girls Game)
Ciaran Loel – Runner (Boys Game)
Roseann Sheridan – Water Carrier (Boys Game)
The first match to get under way was the Under 16 Girls match.
The girls dominated the first quarter with most of the footy being played in their forward half of the ground. With windy conditions kicking accuracy was difficult, however the girls managed to kick a goal and five handy behinds before the first break. The second quarter was much like the first with YJFL kicking another goal and still keeping AFL GM scoreless.
In the third quarter AFL GM came out firing and scored their first goal for the match. Just as AFL GM looked like they were going to get right back in the game, Amber Micallef saved a certain goal with a fantastic tackle in the AFL GMs goal square. Scoring another two goals in the last quarter, the YJFL girls had the game well in their control. The coaches throughout the game mixed the girls positions up and they all did a fantastic job at adjusting from attack to defense. Each and every player did their job and it was a fantastic display of the future of women’s football.
Lily Harris and Zara Flanigan dominated in the ruck allowing all the on ball players to gain possession. Isabelle Pollock was a strong target up forward, using her speed to create multiple scoring shots. Ellie Mckenzie was explosive out of the middle with her outstanding skills. Whilst Jemima Fox worked hard in and under the ball.
Big thanks to Pat Di Natali (Coach) and Brad Harris (Assistant Coach) for their time and efforts over the past month.
FINAL SCORE:
YJFL 6.9.45 def AFL GM 1.1.7
Goal Kickers: Isabelle Pollock 2, Aleisha Kinniff, Danika Di Santo, Pia Hobday, Georgia Barry
Best Players: Ellie McKenzie, Isabelle Pollock, Jemima Fox, Daisy Lloyd, Danika Di Santo, Lily Harris
Best on Ground Medal: Ellie McKenzie
Co Captains: Daisy Lloyd & Scarlett Anderson
Next we had our Under 16 Boys take on the AFL GM Academy:
A tight game all the way through. With the windy still causing chiaos, both sides had only kicked one goal each heading into the major break. With less than a goal separating the sides at each break, it was set to be a massive last quarter. YJFL came out strong and hard, with every player on the ground playing a crucial role. It was great to see the boys all connect as team. Julian Callegari was moved into the middle and created some run and carry out of the middle which allowed Riley Molino and Lewis Downie to be key targets up forward. Fraser Siesmaa kept the ball in YJFL’s control with some smart and clever kicking. What a quarter it was by the YJFL boys kicking 5 goals to Nil.
Baxter Evans was huge in the ruck. Cristian Perrazzola tackling pressure was massive in the 2nd & 3rd quarters when the game was on the line. George Kelly was super reliable down back in the last quarter, intercepting many of AFL GMs forward entries. James Menta was ferocious in the centre.
Overall the spread and space that was created in the second half was the difference. All 23 boys played their role and should be very proud of their efforts.
Big thanks to Warde Elliot (Coach) and Emanuele Di Parsia (Assistant Coach) for their time and efforts over the past month.
FINAL SCORE:
YJFL 7.10. 52 def AFL GM 3.6.24
Goal Kickers: Lewis Downie 2, Harry May, James Menta, Austin Humphris, Conor Loel, Luc Scutella
Best Players: Julian Callegari, Fraser Siesmaa, Lewis Downie, Josh Jackson, Adam Heward, Austin Humphris
Best on Ground Medal: Julian Callegari
Captain: Josh Jackson
Vice Captain: Lewis Downie
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